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SD 810

An Act to establish de-escalation training in student transportation

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Pavel Payano

Requires de-escalation training for all school bus operators, approved by the Commissioner of Education; training costs are borne by employers, not the operators.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 810

Summary: Senate Docket No. 810 (SD 810) — An Act to establish de-escalation training in student transportation

Overview

SD 810, introduced February 27, 2025 by Senator Pavel M. Payano, proposes a targeted update to Massachusetts law governing school transportation. The House has concurred the measure. The bill would require de-escalation training for all school bus operators, with the training programs approved by the Commissioner of Education, and place the cost of training on the operators’ employers.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a standardized de-escalation training requirement for individuals operating school buses.
  • Ensure training content is approved by the Commissioner of Education.
  • Shift training costs to employers (e.g., school districts, transportation contractors) rather than to employees.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Section 8A of Chapter 90 (as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition).
  • Insertion after the second paragraph: “There shall be training relative to de-escalation tactics and techniques approved by the commissioner of education required for all school bus operators.”
  • Financial responsibility: “If employed, the operator’s employer shall pay for the cost of the de-escalation training.”
  • The bill specifies de-escalation training must be approved by the commissioner of education but does not detail the exact curriculum within this text.

Affected Parties

  • School bus operators (drivers and other individuals operating school buses).
  • Employers of school bus operators (school districts, regional transportation authorities, private contractors, and any entity employing school bus operators).
  • The Department of Education, in approving training content.

Fiscal and Administrative Impact

  • Direct cost burden shifted to employers for de-escalation training.
  • The bill does not specify state funding or reimbursement mechanisms; districts and contractors would incur training costs, which could vary by program, provider, and number of operators.
  • Administrative burden may involve ensuring all operators complete the required training and maintaining records of compliance.

Implementation and Timeline

  • No explicit effective date is stated in the text provided; typical implementation would occur upon enactment or as specified in subsequent sections (not shown here).
  • Training programs must be approved by the Commissioner of Education, creating an ongoing oversight and quality control role for the department.

Legislative History and Status

  • Filed: January 14, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 810).
  • Introduced by Senator Pavel M. Payano.
  • 2025-02-27: Referred to the House Committee on Education; House concurred the measure.
  • Status: House concurred (as of the latest available information).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Enhances safety and professional development for student transport operations.
  • Could influence bus operating costs and contract terms due to mandated training expenses.
  • Requires clear guidance from the Commissioner of Education on acceptable de-escalation curricula and training providers.
  • Implementation may necessitate timelines for initial training rollout and periodic refreshers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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