Drivers of unaccompanied minors: workgroup.

Existing law authorizes the governing board of a school district to provide for the transportation of pupils to and from school whenever, in the judgment of the board, the transportation is advisable and good reasons exist to do so. Existing law authorizes the governing board to purchase or rent and provide for the upkeep, care, and operation of vehicles, or to contract and pay for the transportation of pupils to and from school by common carrier or municipally owned transit system, or to contract with and pay responsible private parties for the transportation. This bill would require the State Department of Education to convene a workgroup comprising specified representatives to develop recommendations pertaining to safety standards for drivers of unaccompanied minors to school, as provided. The bill would, on or before April 1, 2023, require the department to submit the workgroup's recommendations to the appropriate budget and policy committees of the Legislature. The bill would repeal its provisions on January 1, 2024.