New law requires Kentucky school districts to lay out bus behavior policies before first day

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Distracted and disrespected: that's what Kentucky school bus drivers say they've dealt with for years.

But now state lawmakers are hoping to improve that with a new law districts must implement before the first day of school.

House Bill 446 requires districts to adapt new state guidelines into its transportation policies.

"If I'm sitting there driving a bus and I've got kids in the back misbehaving, that's worse than me texting and driving because I'm paying attention to them," said one bus driver who spoke to WDRB News.

She spent 10 years driving for different Kentucky school districts, and spoke to WDRB anonymously to share her honest experience.

"It's (behavior) not just a Jefferson County problem, it's all counties," she said.

Kentucky State Rep. Emily Callaway, R-District 37, sponsored the bill that was eventually approved almost unanimously, and signed by Gov. Andy Beshear.

"Ultimately, our drivers will get the respect and voice they deserve," Callaway said. "We want to empower the driver to know they are respected, they will be heard and the student will be dealt with appropriately."

The new law requires Kentucky school districts to lay out bus policies that include a district's own policies, and statewide guidelines, which include: bus driver referrals must be responded to within one week, and drivers have the right to refuse that student a ride as the referral is looked into.

It also must state punishments parents face, including possible felonies and misdemeanors, if interfering with a bus driver's duties.

The new law is something the bus driver who spoke to WDRB said has potential, if all districts execute it properly.

"It's just how they handle it," she said.

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