JLM S.B. 517 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS PUBLIC EDUCATION S.B. 517 By: Bivins (Hawley) 5-18-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Currently, Texas law does not state whether or not 15 passenger vans may be used to transport students. Some school districts may be unclear about the legality of using 15 passenger vans to transport students on certain routes. This bill requires school buses to be used for school bus routes that have 15 or more students and authorizes the use of passenger vans for routes that have fewer than 15 students. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 517 requires school buses to be used for school bus routes that have 15 or more students and authorizes passenger vans to be used for routes that have fewer than 15 students. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 34.003, Education Code, by amending Subsection (b) and (c) and adding Subsections (d)-(e), to provide that only school buses or motor buses may be used to transport 15 or more, rather than 10 or more, students. Deletes a provision requiring school buses or motor buses to be chartered from motor bus companies, or district-owned buses meeting the safety standards prescribed for vehicles used by motor bus companies. Provides that passenger cars or passenger vans may be used to transport fewer than 15, rather than 10 students. Requires the operator of the vehicle to ensure certain conditions apply in all circumstances in which passenger cars or passenger vans are used to transport students. Defines "passenger van" and "motor bus." Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Amends Section 34.004, Education Code, as follows: Sec. 34.004. STANDING CHILDREN. Prohibits a school district from requiring or allowing a child to stand on a school bus or passenger van that is in motion. SECTION 3. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1997-98 school year. SECTION 4. Emergency Clause. Effective Date: Upon Passage.