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HB 2962

VEH CD-THIRD DIVISION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Harry Benton and 5 co-sponsors

Creates a new third vehicle class for multifunction school-activity buses (11-15 passengers) and requires tailored driver permits and training aligned with school bus safety.

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Bill Summary · HB 2962

Summary — HB 2962 (Public Act 104-0256)

Status: Enacted as Public Act 104-0256 (Governor approved Aug 15, 2025). Effective date: July 1, 2026. Introduced Feb 2025; legislative history includes committee consideration, floor passage, transmittal to Governor, and final approval.

Purpose / Intent

The Act amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to (1) create a new vehicle classification for small multifunction school-activity buses and (2) update school‑bus driver permitting and training rules to accommodate those vehicles. The changes are intended to clarify licensing, training, and operational rules for vehicles designed to carry more than 10 but not more than 15 passengers when used for school activities.

Key provisions

  • Adds a third vehicle division (amending Section 1‑217):
    • Third Division: motor vehicles designed to carry more than 10 and not more than 15 persons that are designed or used only as a “multifunction school‑activity bus” (as further defined in the Code).
    • Third Division vehicles must follow the same laws, rules, and regulations that apply to school buses.
  • Amends school bus driver permit rules (Section 6‑106.1) to:
    • Authorize the Secretary of State to issue:
    • Permits for first- or second‑division school buses;
    • Permits valid only for first‑division school buses; and
    • A restricted school bus permit that is valid for operation of a first‑division school bus or a multifunction school‑activity bus designed to carry up to 15 passengers (including driver) when used for curriculum‑related activities (see Section 11‑1414.1).
    • Require the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the State Board of Education, to develop a separate classroom course and annual refresher course specifically for operation of third‑division (multifunction school‑activity) vehicles.
    • Retain and clarify existing permit application requirements, including:
    • Minimum age (21), valid properly classified license, driving‑record checks, fingerprint‑based criminal background checks, medical exam (including drug testing where applicable), completion of initial classroom course (including first aid) and annual refresher, and restrictions related to certain criminal and traffic convictions.
    • Preserve fee handling: fingerprint processing fees to State Police Services Fund; other permit fees to the Road Fund.

Who is affected

  • School districts, private schools, and other entities operating multifunction school‑activity buses.
  • Drivers of school buses and multifunction school‑activity buses (training, permit classification, background checks).
  • Secretary of State and State Board of Education (responsible for developing/approving training curricula and administering permits).
  • Driver training providers and employer‑sponsors who supply permit applications and training.

Impact / Implementation notes

  • Establishes a narrower licensing path for small (≤15‑passenger) multifunction school‑activity buses, separate training requirements, and a restricted permit option.
  • Aligns regulatory treatment of these multifunction buses with school bus safety rules while tailoring training to their size and use.
  • Law takes effect July 1, 2026, giving agencies time to develop the required course materials and administrative procedures.

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

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