Lawmakers look to alter Wisconsin school bus driver rules for those over 70

(The Center Square) – A group of Wisconsin lawmakers are looking to make it easier for 70 or older bus drivers to maintain their ability to be school bus drivers.

A bill scheduled for a committee vote Jan. 7 would reduce the frequency of commercial drivers’ license testing for those 70 or older from every two to every four years while also allowing drivers to return to work when they are medically cleared by a medical professional instead of when a state medical review board approves that clearance.

“Roughly a quarter of school bus drivers are 65 years or older,” Rep. Shae Sortwell, R-Two Rivers, said in testimony supporting the bill. “Overregulation, such as CDL frequency testing and a burdensome medical review process, is deterring these drivers from entering, re-entering, or staying in the profession.”

Statewide numbers show that Wisconsin has 20% less school bus drivers than it had 20 years ago and lawmakers say they are concerned it will lead to school cancellations or del...