Legal Focus

As remote learning in some form or another continues into the new school year contractors continue to face challenges getting paid for partial services and special operations due to coronavirus. This article suggests some ways to address these issues.

Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic many schools are considering reopening and school bus contractors are now starting the process of calling employees back to work and taking precautions for students who will soon be boarding buses. However, one concern of many contractors is the risk of liability claim exposure related to COVID-19 from people riding on their vehicles or in their premises. This article will discuss 1) the scope of the risk of liability to your company from COVID-19 exposure, 2...

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) are two new federal laws with important implications for school bus contractors. The CARES Act directs schools to continue paying school bus contractors during Coronavirus school closures, enhances existing unemployment compensation benefits, and makes loans and grants available to businesses during Coronavirus school closures. The Families First Act modifies the Family Medi...

Many contractors use school vehicles such as vans or multi-function school activity buses (MFSABs) to transport students. As public awareness of the dangers of illegal passing have increased, the roadway presence and proper operation of school vehicles that do not have stop arms and eight way lights have received increased scrutiny from schools, parents, police, and others. This article will discuss how to reconcile the often competing issues of public perception, legal compliance, and location ...

The school bus driver shortage has become a nationwide issue that has even resulted in some schools canceling instructional days. All school bus contractors have been faced with this issue and regularly struggle with keeping drivers behind the wheel. Operators have tried bonus programs, referral programs, and free CDL training. Despite these efforts, the driver shortage continues. Following is a novel approach that could provide some relief by removing a common barrier to entry that discourages ...

Despite the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) continued position that “the school bus is the safest vehicle on the road”, in 2019 the school bus industry has been the focus of increased attention from lawmakers and regulators. Following is a brief discussion of the evolving state and federal laws from the past year that matter most to Pennsylvania’s school bus contractors.

On December 5, 2016, the FMCSA published a final rule, which amended the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to establish requirements for a Commercial Driver License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (the “Clearinghouse”). The Clearinghouse will be a database that contains information about individuals’ violations of the FMCSA’s drug and alcohol testing program for drivers who hold a Commercial Driver’s License (“CDL”). This article will help ensure that you are compliant with the man...