HB356 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Barbara Bigsby BoydRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

School bus drivers, physical examination, successful completion required, Lieutenant Dexter Holcomb Act, Sec. 16-27-4.1 added

Summary

HB356 creates the Lieutenant Dexter Holcomb Act, requiring school bus drivers to pass a physical exam by a licensed physician to determine fitness to drive.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a requirement that school districts ensure drivers are physically qualified based on medical criteria. New hires must pass a qualifying exam before operating a bus, and current drivers must complete the exam within three months of passage and then every two years, with results documented centrally. A grandfather clause allows some existing drivers to remain if a physician confirms no adverse effects and a waiver is filed.

Who It Affects

• New school bus driver applicants must undergo and pay for a physical examination by a licensed physician before they can operate a bus.
• Current school bus drivers employed on the act's effective date must pass a qualifying physical within three months and then every two years, at their own expense.
• Local boards of education must enforce the physical qualification requirements, administer exams, and maintain centralized records of results.
• Drivers with certain pre-existing conditions may be grandfathered if a physician provides a signed statement and waiver indicating no adverse impact on driving ability.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Lieutenant Dexter Holcomb Act and adds Section 16-27-4.1 to Alabama law to require physical qualification for school bus drivers.
• Defines the physical qualification criteria a driver must meet, including physical, sensory, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, mental, and vision/hearing requirements, plus restrictions on certain substances.
• Requires new hires to pass a physical examination by a licensed physician before operating a bus, and requires current drivers to complete the exam within three months and every two years thereafter, at their own expense.
• Mandates that examination results be documented on state-prescribed forms and kept in the State Department of Education’s central office.
• Provides a grandfather clause allowing some existing drivers to remain if a licensed physician confirms no adverse effect on driving and a waiver is signed.
• States the act becomes effective immediately upon governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education