Summary of HR 2360

Bill Number: HR 2360

Title: To permanently extend the exemption from the engine compartment portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills testing requirement for school bus drivers, and for other purposes.

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced Date: March 26, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 2360 is to make permanent an existing exemption from the engine compartment portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills testing requirement specifically for school bus drivers. This exemption was initially granted in a notice published in the Federal Register on December 2, 2024. The bill aims to streamline the licensing process for school bus drivers, thereby facilitating the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel in the school transportation sector.

Key Provisions

1. Permanent Exemption:

   • The Secretary of Transportation is mandated to make the exemption permanent, as outlined in the Federal Register notice (89 Fed. Reg. 95348).
   • The exemption includes specific terms and conditions detailed in paragraphs 2 through 6 of section VII. B. of the notice (89 Fed. Reg. 95351).

2. Reporting Requirements:

   • For a period of six years following the enactment of the bill, any state participating in the exemption must submit an annual report to the Secretary of Transportation.
   • These reports will detail the number of drivers who obtain a commercial driver's license under the exemption.

Impact

• Affected Parties:

  • The bill primarily affects school bus drivers and state transportation agencies involved in the licensing process.
  • By easing the testing requirements, the bill aims to enhance the availability of qualified school bus drivers, which is crucial for student transportation safety.

• Potential Benefits:

  • The permanent exemption could lead to a more efficient licensing process, potentially reducing the time and resources spent on training and testing.
  • It may also help address driver shortages in the school transportation sector, which has been a growing concern in many regions.

Legislative Actions

• March 26, 2025:
  • The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit as well as the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by:
- John R. Carter (Primary Sponsor)
- Tom Cole (Cosponsor)
- Keith Self (Cosponsor)
- Thomas R. Suozzi (Cosponsor)
- Jason Smith (Cosponsor)
- Glenn Grothman (Cosponsor)
- Tracey Mann (Cosponsor)
- Eric Burlison (Cosponsor)
- Timothy M. Kennedy (Cosponsor)
- Virginia Foxx (Cosponsor)
- David G. Valadao (Cosponsor)
- Troy E. Nehls (Cosponsor)
- Darren Soto (Cosponsor)

Related Bills

• S 1284: This is the companion bill in the Senate that addresses similar provisions regarding the exemption for school bus drivers.

This summary provides an overview of HR 2360, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on school bus driver licensing and recruitment.