HB6714 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB093 18974 LRD 47078 b

93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2003 and 2004
HB6714

Introduced 02/09/04, by Sandra M. Pihos

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/10-20.39 new
105 ILCS 5/34-18.30 new

Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to adopt a policy that prohibits a school bus that is in operation for the purpose of transporting students to or from school or a school-related function or activity from running on idle for more than 5 minutes while the bus is parked. Provides that the policy must require all diesel school buses (i) when in use, to be parked and loaded 100 feet from school air-intake systems, unless the school board deems alternative locations block traffic, impair student safety, or are not cost-effective and (ii) when not in use, to be parked in a manner to reduce contamination of school bus cabins and school facilities from diesel engine exhaust fumes. Contains exceptions to these requirements. Requires the policy to provide for climate-controlled waiting areas for school bus drivers. Requires schools to send an annual notice to faculty, staff, and parents concerning the policy. Effective September 1, 2004.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT regarding school buses.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Sections 10-20.39 and 34-18.30 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/10-20.39 new)

Sec. 10-20.39. School bus idling policy.

(a) Each school board shall adopt a policy that prohibits a school bus that is in operation for the purpose of transporting students to or from school or a school-related function or activity from running on idle for more than 5 minutes while the bus is parked. Notice of the policy must be sent annually to all faculty, staff, and parents and must include a statement that the purpose of the policy is to reduce exposure to dangerous diesel emissions.

(b) The policy must require all diesel school buses to be parked and loaded 100 feet from school air-intake systems unless the school board determines that alternative locations block traffic, impair student safety, or are not cost-effective. The policy must also require that, when they are not in use, all diesel school buses on school property or near school air-intake systems must be parked in a manner that reduces contamination of school bus cabins and school facilities by diesel engine exhaust fumes. The policy must allow exceptions to these requirements when:

(1) the bus is loading and unloading children;

(2) maintenance or repairs are being conducted on the bus;

(3) lift equipment is being used to load and unload children with special needs;

(4) the bus is running in order to power defrosters, heaters, air conditioners, or other equipment necessary for safety or health considerations, unless the equipment can be powered by the battery;

(5) the bus is running in order to power headlights or warning lights, unless the lights can be powered by the battery; and

(6) the bus is running due to a traffic, safety, or emergency situation. The policy must also require all schools to provide a climate-controlled waiting area for school bus drivers in extreme cold and hot weather situations.

(105 ILCS 5/34-18.30 new)

Sec. 34-18.30. School bus idling policy.

(a) The board shall adopt a policy that prohibits a school bus that is in operation for the purpose of transporting students to or from school or a school-related function or activity from running on idle for more than 5 minutes while the bus is parked. Notice of the policy must be sent annually to all faculty, staff, and parents and must include a statement that the purpose of the policy is to reduce exposure to dangerous diesel emissions.

(b) The policy must require all diesel school buses to be parked and loaded 100 feet from school air-intake systems unless the school board determines that alternative locations block traffic, impair student safety, or are not cost-effective. The policy must also require that, when they are not in use, all diesel school buses on school property or near school air-intake systems must be parked in a manner that reduces contamination of school bus cabins and school facilities by diesel engine exhaust fumes. The policy must allow exceptions to these requirements when:

(1) the bus is loading and unloading children;

(2) maintenance or repairs are being conducted on the bus;

(3) lift equipment is being used to load and unload children with special needs;

(4) the bus is running in order to power defrosters, heaters, air conditioners, or other equipment necessary for safety or health considerations, unless the equipment can be powered by the battery;

(5) the bus is running in order to power headlights or warning lights, unless the lights can be powered by the battery; and

(6) the bus is running due to a traffic, safety, or emergency situation. The policy must also require all schools to provide a climate-controlled waiting area for school bus drivers in extreme cold and hot weather situations.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect September 1, 2004.