New Kentucky law targets school bus behavior policies

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Distracted and disrespected is what a former school bus driver dealt with, who spent 10 years driving for different Kentucky school districts.

“It’s not just a Jefferson County problem. It’s all the counties,” said the anonymous bus driver.

Now trying to support drivers, the state passed a new law related to student behavior on buses.

Rep. Emily Callaway says, “Ultimately, our drivers will get the respect and the voice that they deserve.”

The new law requires Kentucky school districts to lay out bus policies. That includes a district’s own policies and statewide guidelines.

It says bus drivers’ referrals must be responded to within one week.

Drivers also have the right to refuse students a ride if they are subject of a referral.

Policies must lay out punishments that parents could face, including felonies if interfering with bus drivers’ duties.

Families will be required to sign off on an acknowledgement form within the first week of school or risk losing transportation privileges.

“A lot of this is policy that’s already in places, “Callaway said. “We’re emphasizing it. We’re putting it in front of parents’ faces.”

The new law is something the bus driver we spoke to is all in favor of as long as districts execute it properly.