Vehicles: school pupil transportation: advisory committee.

Senator Stern's proposal to expand California's school transportation advisory committee would add two members from low-income communities to the existing 11-member body that guides state regulations on pupil transportation safety. The committee, which assists the California Highway Patrol in developing safety rules for school buses and related operations, currently includes representatives from state agencies, school districts, bus contractors, and transportation professionals.

Under the proposed changes, the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol would appoint one member from an urban low-income community and one from a rural low-income area to serve alongside current committee members. These members include representatives from the State Department of Education, Department of Motor Vehicles, California Highway Patrol, Office of Traffic Safety, school districts, and bus contractors, as well as a schoolbus driver, pediatrician, and pupil transportation operator.

The expanded committee would continue its mandate to advise the California Highway Patrol on regulations affecting school transportation safety and operations. The department must consult with committee members before adopting new rules or modifications to existing regulations governing pupil transportation.