2022 -- H 7115

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LC003796

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFERS'

LICENSES

     Introduced By: Representatives Perez, Vella-Wilkinson, Shanley, Williams, Batista, C
Lima, Diaz, and Corvese

     Date Introduced: January 20, 2022

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 31-10-5.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-10 entitled "Operators'

and Chauffeurs' Licenses" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-10-5.1. School bus driver annual training.

     (a) The department of revenue shall promulgate any rules and regulations that it deems

necessary to ensure that a ten-hour (10) training course is provided for all new school bus drivers

and a three-hour (3) retraining course is provided to all renewal applicants for the first and second

renewal of their license on at least a yearly basis. After completing the retraining course for the

second renewal of their license, licensees shall only be required to complete training courses every

five (5) years thereafter.

     (b) The training shall include, but not be limited to, defensive driving, the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration's School Bus Driver In-Service Series, and instruction in

all state laws, rules, and regulations relating to school buses and school bus safety.

     (c) Prior to any renewal of any certificate of a school bus driver, the division of motor

vehicles shall require proof of the renewal applicant's having successfully completed the annual

retraining as provided in this section. That proof shall include the passing of a written examination

prepared by the department of revenue, or the department of revenue's designee, and conducted by

employees of the department.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFERS'

LICENSES

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     This act would require training courses for bus drivers to renew their licenses in the first

and second years following the issuance of their license. After the second year, licensees shall only

be required to complete training courses every five (5) years thereafter.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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