Check Out: SBF Incident Report Roundup: July 21, 2022
SBF Legislative Roundup - Aug. 9, 2022
In this collection of recent news about laws and regulations related to student transportation: - New Jersey Law Creates Electric School Bus Program - Tennessee Governor Signs Bill Aimed at Addressing Bus Driver Shortages - Virginia Law Created by Middle School Students Allows School Buses to be Used for Package Transport - Massachusetts Bill Would Allow Cameras on Buses to Capture Driver Violations
Christy Grimes・Former Senior Editor
Photo: School Bus Fleet
3 min to read
New Jersey Law Creates Electric School Bus Program
A newly signed law by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy authorizes up to $45 million over the next three years for the addition of electric school buses across the state. The state's Department of Environmental Protection will buy buses and charging infrastructure. The department will give $15 million in grants annually over three years to at least 18 school districts or bus contractors for the electric buses. At least half of those grants will go to communities that are low-income, urban, or overburdened by pollution. New Jersey has about 600 school districts. Murphy said electrifying school bus fleets gets the state closer to its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions, according to The New Jersey Monitor. The Monitor reports that more than 40% of the state's emissions come from transportation. More than 800,000 students ride in one of New Jersey's 15,000 diesel-powered school buses.
Tennessee Governor Signs Bill Aimed at Addressing Bus Driver Shortages
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed legislation meant to relieve school districts of staffing challenges. It allows retired staff to be reemployed as a K-12 teacher, substitute teacher, or bus driver without the loss or suspension of their retirement benefits. Previously, retired members of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System could return to work, but only for 120 days maximum. The legislation removes the limit, allowing retired teachers and bus drivers to return to their service for one year renewable annually, provided there are no other qualified applicants. While reemployed, retirement benefits would be reduced to 70% of the retirement allowance the member is otherwise entitled to receive, according to WZTV. Additionally, the existing salary cap would be removed. The bill is in effect now through June 30, 2025.
Virginia Law Created by Middle School Students Allows School Buses to be Used for Package Transport
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a bill into law that allows school boards to enter into agreements with third-party logistics companies to use school buses to transport packages beteween distribution centers while not in use for transporting students. The legislation, known as the "box bill," started as a project for a group of middle school students in Richmond, Va. The students created a device called a "Bus Box" to be installed on the undercarriage of buses for package transportation. The project gained national attention when the invention earned multiple awards, according to WTVR.
Massachusetts Bill Would Allow Cameras on Buses to Capture Driver Violations
A newly-introduced bill in Massachusetts would allow school districts the option to install cameras on school buses to capture videos of vehicles that fail to stop for buses with their lights on. School districts could then partner with local law enforcement to issue civil citations to drivers who break school bus stop laws. The technology would come from BusPatrol, according to The Framingham Source. The technology is already legal in more than 20 states. State legislators toured a bus with the technology installed outside the State House last month.
More Management
How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?
Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read More →
School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships
STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.
Read More →
Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families
A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.
Read More →
From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.
Read More →
Sponsored•September 2, 2026
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →
Sponsored•September 1, 2026
What Readiness Looks Like This School Year
Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.
Read More →