HF4063 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Stopping requirements for vehicles approaching school buses modified, first aid kit requirements on school buses modified, USDOT numbers for all school buses required, and use of school buses on public roads for training purposes authorized.
Related bill: SF3985
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to improve school-bus safety and administration in Minnesota. It makes changes to stop requirements for vehicles approaching school buses, updates equipment requirements (especially first aid kits), requires USDOT numbers for school-bus operations, clarifies bus definitions, and allows school buses to be used on public roads for training purposes.
Main Provisions
Modifying stopping rules around school buses
- When a school bus is stopped with the stopsign arm extended and red lights flashing, vehicles must stop at least 20 feet away and may not move until the arm retracts and red lights stop flashing.
- When a bus displays prewarning amber lights, drivers are warned that red lights will soon be shown, and vehicles must not encroach within 20 feet of the bus.
USDOT number requirement
- Any person, district, or operator providing school transportation using a school bus must obtain and use a USDOT number to track inspections.
First aid kit and body fluids cleanup kit
- A minimum of a ten-unit first aid kit and a body fluids cleanup kit must be available in a removable, moisture- and dustproof container located in an accessible spot within the driver’s compartment and clearly labeled.
Training use of school buses
- The bill clarifies that school buses can be used on public roads for training purposes, including training employees and others under an agreement with a school or school district.
Key Definitions and Section Details
School bus definitions
- The bill defines a school bus to include types A, B, C, D, and multifunction school activity buses, and type III vehicles under specific conditions. It also lists vehicles that are not considered school buses (e.g., certaincharter, transit, or non-qualifying type III vehicles).
- Type III vehicles are limited to passenger vehicles or buses with 10 or fewer seats (including the driver) and a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less; they must not be outwardly labeled as school buses.
Appearance restrictions on non-school buses
- Buses not used as school or Head Start buses may not be painted in a color that mimics school buses, nor may they be equipped with school-bus-related equipment or printing.
- There are exceptions for buses owned by/contracted to a school district under charter or lease, and for certain child care or training-school scenarios (with labeling and other conditions). Violations are treated as misdemeanors.
- Specific provisions allow child care buses to avoid certain requirements if they are clearly identified as child-care buses and meet other conditions.
NSTSP alignment and phased kit requirements
- A first aid kit meeting the current NSTSP (National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures) must be provided in model year 2027 and newer vehicles.
- All other vehicles may use a ten-unit kit per existing Minnesota rules or NSTSP.
- By January 1, 2030, all type III vehicles must have an NSTSP-compliant first aid kit.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Adds a uniform 20-foot stopping rule for vehicles approaching school buses, tightening previous guidance on how closely other vehicles may approach.
- Establishes a USDOT-number requirement for tracking inspections of all school-bus transportation operations.
- Introduces explicit NSTSP-based first aid kit requirements with a phased implementation (2027+ for new vehicles; 2030 for all type III vehicles).
- Clarifies and expands definitions of school buses and related vehicle types, including distinct rules for non-school buses that might resemble school buses (appearance restrictions and exemptions).
- Expands authorized use of school buses on public roads for training purposes, including training of school staff and other personnel.
Compliance & Implementation
- School districts and operators will need to ensure all drivers and vehicles comply with the 20-foot stopping rule and amber-light protections.
- Operators must obtain and maintain USDOT numbers for tracking inspections.
- Vehicle fleets must equip appropriate first aid and body fluids cleanup kits, with NSTSP-compliant options required for newer models starting in 2027 and fully for type III vehicles by 2030.
- Non-school buses that resemble school buses must adhere to appearance restrictions or follow the specified exemptions.
Relevant Terms - school bus - Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D - multifunction school activity bus (MSAB) - Type III vehicle - stopsign arm - red lights - prewarning amber lights - 20 feet (stop distance) - USDOT number - NSTSP (National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures) - first aid kit - body fluids cleanup kit - GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) - vehicle classifications and exemptions (charter, Head Start, child care bus) - training on public roads - Minnesota Rules 1993 part 3520.5120
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 09, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Transportation Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds enumerated classifications for school buses (types A-D and multifunction school activity bus).",
"Specifies that certain vehicles (e.g., motor coaches under charter carrier authority, transit buses) are not school buses."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Redefines school bus; clarifies vehicle classifications and exclusions.",
"modified": [
"Replaces the prior definition of school bus with a detailed multi-category definition."
]
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "subdivision 71"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References signage associated with school buses when stopped; part of the stop-for-bus signaling framework.",
"modified": [
"Cites section 169.443(2), paragraph b in the context of stop-for-bus procedures."
]
},
"citation": "169.443",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2, paragraph b"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Stipulates stop requirements for vehicles approaching a school bus displaying stop signals.",
"modified": [
"Requires vehicles to stop at least 20 feet from the bus when the stop signal arm and red lights are displayed."
]
},
"citation": "169.444",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds appearance restrictions for buses not used as school or Head Start buses.",
"Prohibits unauthorized use of school bus-related equipment and printing on non-school buses."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Restrictions on appearance; prohibits non-school buses from resembling school or Head Start buses and limits related equipment and markings.",
"modified": [
"Expands and clarifies appearance-related prohibitions and exemptions."
]
},
"citation": "169.448",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds a new Subd.3 requiring a USDOT number for school transportation."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Requires USDOT number for school transportation using a school bus for tracking inspections.",
"modified": [
"Creates USDOT tracking linkage for inspections under 169.451."
]
},
"citation": "169.449",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Stop signal and lighting rules related to the deactivation of warnings.",
"modified": [
"References to deactivation of stop-signal lighting under Subd.31."
]
},
"citation": "169.4503",
"subdivision": "subdivision 31"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "First aid kit and body fluids cleanup kit requirements.",
"modified": [
"Sets minimum requirements for ten-unit first aid kit and body fluids cleanup kit in the driver’s compartment."
]
},
"citation": "169.454",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requires first aid kit meeting NSTSP standards in model year 2027 and newer.",
"Allows alternative kits for older vehicles per NSTSP or Minnesota Rules 1993 part 3520.5120; transition to NSTSP kit after 2030 for type III vehicles."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds NSTSP-based first aid kit requirements for newer vehicles and transition rules.",
"modified": [
"Implements NSTSP-based kit requirements with phased deadlines."
]
},
"citation": "169.454",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References Federal motor vehicle safety standards for school transportation equipment.",
"modified": [
"Cites the federal definitions applicable to school buses/MFSAB in CFR 571.3."
]
},
"citation": "49 CFR 571.3",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Uses Minnesota Statute 120A.22 to define school scope for bus routing and related activities.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "120A.22",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References transit bus definition as defined in statute 174.22(7).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "174.22",
"subdivision": "subdivision 7"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"References to 171.02(2a) outline requirements for front-door labeling associated with bus operation."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Front door identification requirements tied to other signage and owner/operator obligations.",
"modified": [
"Incorporates 171.02(2a) into bus identification and eligibility requirements."
]
},
"citation": "171.02",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References to sections 171.33 through 171.41 covering commercial driver training schools and related provisions.",
"modified": [
"Integrates sections 171.33-171.41 as applicable to driver training school requirements."
]
},
"citation": "171.33 to 171.41",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee