BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1078

80R8091 JRJ-D                                                                                                                By: Carona

                                                                                                 Transportation & Homeland Security

                                                                                                                                            3/26/2007

                                                                                                                                              As Filed

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Some school bus drivers drive their buses with the passenger loading door open, usually when it is hot, in order to better circulate air within the bus.  This is unsafe, as a child could be thrown out of the open door if the child stood up as the driver applied the brakes in response to a roadway hazard or accident.

 

As proposed, S.B. 1078 requires bus drivers to operate the bus with the door closed.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code, by adding Section 545.426, as follows:

 

Sec. 545.426.  OPERATION OF SCHOOL BUS WITH DOOR OPEN.  Prohibits a person from operating a school bus if the door of the bus is open.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2007.