The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Staff, Wire Reports
Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 07:30 PM
Tougher School Bus Laws Take Effect In Tennessee Starting In 2018
School bus drivers must be at
least 25 years old in Tennessee under one of 16 laws taking effect on
New Year's Day.
Lawmakers made the change in reaction to a November 2016 school bus
crash that killed six elementary school children in Chattanooga. The
driver, Johnthony Walker, was 24 at the time.
The law also requires a school bus driver safety program, five
consecutive years of driving experience for drivers and appointment of
school district and charter school transportation supervisors.
Other new laws taking effect Monday require Tennessee public colleges
and universities to spell out free speech policies; create a maximum $50
fine for talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving in an active
school zone; and let trained soldiers bypass firing range requirements
for a state handgun permit.
