H 4404
An Act relative to improved special needs transportation and student safety, "John's Law"
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, known as "John’s Law," aims to enhance the safety of students with disabilities during transportation by requiring detailed reports on any impairments that might affect their safety. It defines ‘special transportation van’ and mandates that school districts create written reports for drivers and attendants transporting students with disabilities, outlining any relevant impairments. These reports are only required if mandated by the student’s Individualized Education Program or with parental consent. The goal is to improve awareness and safety protocols for these students.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘special transportation van’ as a vehicle used for transporting students with disabilities.
- Requires school districts to create written reports for drivers and attendants.
- Reports must identify impairments that could affect student safety.
- Reports are only required with IEP authorization or parental consent.
- The reports must include information about sensory, neurological, emotional, communication, physical, intellectual, or health impairments.
Who is affected
- School districts
- School-age children with disabilities
- School bus drivers
- Transportation monitors
- Qualified attendants
Notable changes
- Introduces a specific definition for ‘special transportation van’.
- Mandates detailed reporting on student impairments.
- Establishes a requirement for parental consent or IEP authorization for report creation.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Education
Cosponsors
John J. Marsi
Michelle M. DuBois
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Bill H.4404 194th (Current)
An Act relative to improved special needs transportation and student safety, "John's Law"
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Education Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4404
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 8/25/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Education |
| 8/25/2025 | House | New draft of H564 |
| 8/25/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
Similar Bills
H.564 194th (Current)
An Act relative to improved special needs transportation and student safety, "John's Law"
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