Diegnan, Gopal School Bus Safety Bill Signed into Law

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr. and Senator Vin Gopal, which would require all school buses have a phone number or website displayed on the back of the bus so drivers can report bus driver misconduct if they witness anything concerning, was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.

“It’s been almost a year since the tragic school bus accident in Mt. Olive. Including this law, the Governor has now signed eight pieces of legislation which will improve school bus safety,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “These actions should reassure families that school bus safety is a top priority for our State.”

“All members of the public have a vested interest in making sure school bus drivers are driving safely and paying close attention to their surroundings,” said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth). “Placing a contact number on the back of the bus will help hold bus drivers accountable for reckless driving, giving the public the ability to easily report if they see something concerning.”

The law would require that all school buses have a phone number or website displayed on the back of the bus so drivers can report bus driver misconduct if they witness anything concerning.

The former law only provided that there can be no lettering on the front or rear of a school bus other than the words “SCHOOL BUS.”  The new law would allow school bus operators to display information that would permit the public to report a bus driver’s misconduct.

The law will take effect immediately and be applicable to the next school year starting July 1st.