Bill would require more drug testing for bus drivers – New Jersey Monitor

As lawmakers debate whether or not law enforcement officials ought to have the ability to eat hashish whereas off responsibility, two Republican say they plan to introduce a invoice requiring all private and non-private faculty bus drivers be drug examined twice a yr. 

Beneath present federal regulation, faculty bus drivers are topic to annual random drug checks. Faculty districts or contracted bus corporations should take a look at 10% of their drivers for alcohol and 50% for medication like managed opiates and marijuana every year. 

The brand new measure would increase that to 100% of college bus drivers no less than twice yearly, together with drivers for personal faculties. The invoice can be sponsored by Bergen County Meeting Republicans Robert Auth and DeAnne DeFuccio. 

“We’ve a collective duty to guard kids, which can be more difficult as our New Jersey legal guidelines and attitudes towards medication like marijuana evolve,” mentioned DeFuccio in an announcement. “Faculty bus drivers are carrying our most valuable cargo and our guidelines relating to drug and alcohol testing ought to mirror that.”

The lawmakers cited a 2019 crash in Newark the place a bus driver allegedly used heroin earlier than driving 11 special-needs kids to high school. She overdosed and crashed, and was revived with Narcan. In 2020, a Paterson bus firm was cited for failing to conduct drug testing and background checks and for utilizing unqualified drivers. 

Contractors and boards of schooling must file proof of the finished testing with their county faculties superintendent beneath the invoice.

“Dad and mom deserve the peace of thoughts that comes with figuring out their kids are within the most secure arms after they get on the bus within the morning,” mentioned Auth. “Our invoice addresses gaps in drug and alcohol testing protocols and ensures each single faculty bus driver is being held to the identical customary.”