Bill aims to provide quicker notifications of bus driver violations
Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) announced a bill that would require automatic notifications of driver violations to school districts as well as school bus companies within 24 hours. This would allow the organizations to take faster actions. The bill was written in response to New Jersey crash in May that killed a teacher and a student.
“Miranda’s Law,” is being proposed to help support the SECURES Act, which would make lap-shoulder seat belts the nationwide standard for school buses. The bill would require a nationwide employer notification service for buses. This would give employers real-time, automatic notifications when a bus driver’s license status changes because of an event such as a moving violation conviction or license suspension.
Self-Reporting
Though some states have self-reporting requirements from drivers, many don't comply. This means a school district or school bus company may wait around a year to learn about violations.
Hudy Muldrow Sr., the bus driver of the May 17 crash that killed Miranda Vargas and teacher Jennifer Williamson-Kennedy was charged with two counts of reckless vehicular homicide/death by auto. Muldrow's license was suspended 14 times and he was issued 16 driving violations for speeding between 1975 and 2017.
