School bus rules clarified

Several regulations related to pupil transportation will be modified under a law that takes effect Aug. 1, 2026.

Sponsored by Rep. Lucy Rehm (DFL-Chanhassen) and Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart (DFL-Wayzata), it will expand the definition of “school bus” to include a vehicle used to train school bus drivers.

Commercial driver training schools will be exempted from restrictions on the color, markings, and equipment of a school bus when it is not being used for pupil transportation, but will be prohibited from using the bus’s stop signal arm or specialized lighting system when training on a public street or highway.

School buses will also be required to have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. And Type III vehicles used for pupil transportation will be required to have first aid kits that meet certain state and national specifications.

HF4063/SF3985*/CH85

HF4063* / SF3985 / CH85