IllinoisHB2962104th General Assembly (2025–2026)HouseWALLET

VEH CD-THIRD DIVISION

Sponsored By: Michael Crawford (Democratic)

Became Law

transportation: vehicles & safetyassignmentseducation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Strict suspension and reporting rules for drivers

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Secretary cancels or suspends school bus permits for many reasons. These include disqualifying background results, loss of driving privileges, failed or refused drug or alcohol tests, and failed inspections. Some violations bring a mandatory 3‑year suspension or a 3‑year bar on getting a permit. The Secretary notifies the State Superintendent and the employer; employers must pull the driver before the next shift and confirm removal in writing. Permit holders must also report, in writing within 5 days, any out‑of‑state conviction or court supervision that would make them ineligible. Not reporting is a petty offense first time and a Class B misdemeanor after.

Getting a school bus driver permit

Beginning July 1, 2026, you must meet strict rules to get a school bus driver permit. You must be 21+, hold a valid properly classified license with no actions in the last 3 years, pass a written test, complete a medical exam with drug testing within 90 days (unless federally exempt), and finish required classes with an annual refresher. A past suspension only for unpaid child support in the last 3 years does not block you. You must give fingerprints for State Police and FBI checks and pay application and fingerprint fees (fingerprint fees go to the State Police Services Fund; other fees go to the Road Fund). The Secretary issues a provisional permit after your employer certifies pre-employment checks and training; it becomes full after the FBI check clears. If you were already fingerprinted before, you do not repeat it, and regional superintendents offer a class for first‑division school bus drivers.

Military leave protection for bus permits

Beginning July 1, 2026, if a permitted driver is called to active duty and the employer notifies the Secretary of State within 30 days, the permit is marked inactive, not invalid. Missing permit requirements while on active duty does not cancel the permit. After returning, the service member has 90 days to renew by meeting the normal renewal rules.

Rules for activity buses and school trips

Beginning July 1, 2026, schools may use a multifunction school activity bus for curriculum‑related trips (not regular home‑to‑school routes) when the driver holds a valid school bus permit and all code rules apply. Eligible students include grades 9–12 and K–12 students with an IEP and a 1:5 staff ratio at Acacia Academy, Alexander Leigh, Marklund, Helping Hands Center, Connections Organization, Soaring Eagle Academy, and New Horizon Academy. For interscholastic or other noncurriculum activities, students must ride a school bus or an approved second‑division vehicle. Students in agrarian activities may ride a qualifying pickup truck (12,000 pounds or less, enclosed cabin up to 6 belted seats). There are exceptions for parades, homecoming, and similar events.

Hiring duties and liability rules for bus employers

Beginning July 1, 2026, employers who hire school bus drivers must interview, give permit and medical forms, send fingerprint cards to the State Police, and certify in writing to the Secretary of State that state and FBI checks were submitted and all pre‑employment steps are done. The applicant must bring this employer certification when applying for a permit. If a private carrier employer meets these rules, the employer is held to ordinary care for intentional acts by a permitted driver on the job. This does not limit liability for breaking the section or for negligent hiring or retention.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Michael Crawford
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Harry Benton
Democratic • House
Laura Fine
Democratic • Senate
Lisa Davis
Democratic • House
Tracy Katz Muhl
Democratic • House
Yolonda Morris
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 207 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/22/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 58 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/7/2025

Do Pass Education;

Yes: 14 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 111 • No: 0

House vote • 4/9/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Transportation: Vehicles & Safety;

Yes: 12 • No: 0

House vote • 3/19/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety;