Lets School Boards Require Bus Driver Training
Virginia · HB495 · Introduced Jan 12, 2026
Why it matters
Full-time bus drivers could be required to take the training, but only if their local school board chooses to require it. Boards are not required to do so.
What it does
- Lets school boards require full-time bus drivers to complete mental health awareness training at least once
- Allows the training to be taken online as a module
- Asks the state behavioral health department to consider a two-hour training module for bus drivers
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would let school boards require full-time school bus drivers to finish mental health awareness training at least once. The state would look at shortening an existing training into a two-hour course for boards to use.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Some school safety groups would likely say drivers who recognize mental health needs can respond better. Online training would make it easier to complete.
💬 The case against
Some school employee groups would likely say the training adds requirements without enough funding. They may also argue local boards should decide without state direction.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
News
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