By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
The Alabama House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation Thursday designed to help school systems across the state address persistent shortages of school bus drivers, an issue that has increasingly disrupted student transportation in many communities.
House Bill 138, sponsored by State Rep. Kenneth Paschal, R-Pelham, offers a practical solution by allowing certain retired public employees to return to work as full-time school bus drivers without losing their earned retirement benefits. Lawmakers say the measure provides flexibility for school systems while respecting the service of Alabama’s retirees.
“Reliable student transportation is foundational to education, public safety and working families,” Paschal said. “My legislation gives local school systems a practical tool to address bus driver shortages while respecting the service and earned benefits of Alabama’s retirees.”
Under the bill, retirees from the Employees’ Retirement System and the Teachers’ Retirement System would be eligible to work as school bus drivers, provided specific compensation and benefit safeguards are met. The legislation does not create new or recurring state appropriations, allowing local school districts to address staffing challenges without increasing costs to taxpayers.
School systems across Alabama — particularly in rural and underserved areas — continue to struggle with a shortage of qualified bus drivers. District officials report that the lack of drivers has led to delayed routes, longer ride times, consolidated routes and transportation challenges for students and families who rely on school-provided transportation.
Lawmakers emphasized that dependable school transportation is essential not only for academic attendance but also for student safety, access to extracurricular activities and overall educational equity.
By expanding the pool of eligible drivers, HB 138 allows experienced public servants to continue serving their communities while helping ensure students are transported safely and consistently to and from school.
The legislation also includes a sunset provision ending Dec. 31, 2030. Lawmakers said the provision allows future legislatures to evaluate the bill’s effectiveness and make adjustments based on outcomes and workforce needs.
The bill passed the House unanimously, reflecting bipartisan agreement that school transportation shortages require immediate and practical solutions. Education advocates say the measure could provide much-needed relief to districts facing ongoing recruitment challenges.
House Bill 138 now moves to the Alabama Senate for consideration. If approved and signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey, the measure could take effect in time to assist school systems preparing for upcoming school years.
