(The Center Square) – A bill that is aimed at helping Wisconsin school bus drivers older than 70 maintain their ability to drive for schools is headed to the Senate.
The bill would reduce the frequency of commercial drivers’ license testing for those 70 or older from every two to every four years while also allowing drivers to return to work when they are medically cleared by a medical professional instead of when a state medical review board approves that clearance.
The bill passed the Assembly on Tuesday afternoon and was sent to the Senate with a pair of approved amendments. One of the amendments requires an annual medical examination for drivers older than 70 despite the four-year interval on license renewal.
“Roughly a quarter of school bus drivers are 65 years or older,” Rep. Shae Sortwell, R-Two Rivers, said in testimony supporting the bill. “Overregulation, such as CDL frequency testing and a burdensome medical review process, is deterring these drivers from entering, re-entering, or staying in the profession.”
Wisconsin has 20% less school bus drivers than it had 20 years ago and lawmakers say they are concerned it will lead to school cancellations or delays along with overcrowded and unsafe buses.
Surrounding states do not change bus driver eligibility requirements at age 70, like Wisconsin has since the rules were altered in 1989.
