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HF 395

Procedures and requirements for orders and rules promulgated during a peacetime emergency modified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Peggy Scott

Iowa HF 395 allows districts to require an approved school bus driver training, including ELDT that covers required endorsements, with state rulemaking by 7/1/2026.

Introduction and first reading, referred to State Government Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 395

Summary — HF 395 (Enacted June 6, 2025)

Status: Enacted (signed by Governor June 6, 2025). Effective date: January 1, 2026. (Companion: SF 2270)

Purpose

HF 395 updates Iowa law governing qualifications and required training for school bus drivers. It clarifies that school districts may set training requirements, allows certain federal entry-level driver training (ELDT) to satisfy state-approved school bus training if it includes required endorsement content, and directs the Department of Education (DE), with the Department of Transportation (DOT), to adopt implementing rules.

Key provisions

  • Licensing requirements (sec. 321.376(1))

    • School bus drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with both a passenger endorsement and a school bus endorsement.
    • Individuals with a temporary restricted license under chapter 321J are prohibited from operating a school bus.

  • District discretion on training (new subsection 3A)

    • A school district may require completion of an “approved course of instruction” for school bus drivers.
    • Approved courses may include:
    • Courses approved by the Department of Education; or
    • Entry-level driver training (ELDT) completed under section 321.188(1)(c), provided the ELDT meets FMCSA requirements (49 C.F.R. pt. 380, Appendices C & D) and contains the passenger- and school-bus-endorsement curricula; or
    • Other training as set by district resolution (including selected portions of the above).

  • Rulemaking and standards

    • DE, in collaboration with DOT, must adopt rules by July 1, 2026 (under chapter 17A) establishing requirements for ELDT providers to qualify ELDT as an approved school-bus course.
    • Rules must set minimum training content, contact hours, proficiency standards, and a standard course duration sufficient to cover ELDT and specified school-bus training (including endorsement-related training).

  • Timing and recurrence of training

    • Where a district requires the approved course, drivers must complete it before or within six months of employment and at least every 24 months thereafter.

  • Enforcement and revocation

    • If a district requires a DE-approved course (subparagraph (1)) and a driver fails to provide a certificate of completion, the employer must report the failure to DE.
    • DE must revoke the driver’s authorization to operate a school bus and notify the driver and employer.
    • Revocation remains until DE receives certification of course completion, or until the person obtains employment in a district that does not require the DE-approved course and is otherwise compliant.

Who is affected

  • School bus drivers and prospective drivers (training and credentialing expectations).
  • School districts (authority to require training, responsibility to set policies).
  • ELDT providers and training organizations (new state rules and standards).
  • Employers (obligation to report noncompliance; potential driver loss).
  • DE and DOT (rulemaking and enforcement roles).

Impact and procedural notes

  • Aligns state training acceptance with federal ELDT standards, potentially reducing duplication where ELDT includes the required endorsement training.
  • Preserves district-level discretion—training is mandatory only if a district requires it.
  • Establishes a clear rulemaking deadline (July 1, 2026) and an effective date (Jan 1, 2026), giving agencies and providers time to prepare.

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

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