Purpose

This bill aims to improve the safety of school bus stops in Minnesota. It establishes a work group to develop standards and strategies for the safe placement of school bus stop locations, and proposes recommendations for any legislative changes necessary to implement these standards.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of Work Group: By August 1, 2025, a work group must be convened by the transportation commissioner. This group will study and provide recommendations on safe school bus stop siting.
• Work Group Composition: The group will include members of the Minnesota legislature, various state departments, school transportation groups, and safety organizations.
• Duties of the Work Group: The group will analyze current policies and practices, collect data on transportation incidents, develop design standards for bus stops, engage communities, and promote public awareness about school bus safety.
• Public Involvement and Reporting: The work group's findings will be reported to legislative committees, with a final report due by May 1, 2027, and an interim report by March 1, 2027.
• Funding and Support: The bill appropriates funding for the work group and allows for the acceptance of grant funds.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• New Safety Standards: This bill aims to create standards and recommendations that can lead to new legislative measures or changes in current school bus stop regulations.

Relevant Terms

school bus safety, transportation, work group, school bus stop placement, legislation, community engagement, risk assessment, public awareness, data analysis, safety standards.