44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION; AMENDING A SECTION OF THE NMSA 1978 TO PROVIDE FOR COUNTY RECREATION PROGRAMS' USE OF SCHOOL BUSES FOR SUMMER AND BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. Section 22-16-2 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1967, Chapter 16, Section 220, as amended) is amended to read:

"22-16-2. STATE TRANSPORTATION DIVISION--DUTIES.--Subject to the policies of the state board, the state transportation division of the department of education shall:

A. establish standards for school bus transportation;

B. establish standards for school bus design and operation pursuant to provisions of Section 22-16-11 NMSA 1978;

C. establish procedures pertaining to the resolution of transportation issues in areas where [local] school districts are engaged in school district boundary disputes;

D. enforce those regulations adopted by the state board relating to school bus transportation;

E. audit records of school bus contractors or school district-owned bus operations in accordance with regulations promulgated by the state transportation director;

F. establish standards and certify for safety, vehicles that are defined as school buses by the Motor Vehicle Code; [and]

G. establish regulations for the purpose of permitting commercial advertisements on school buses; and

H. provide for the use of school buses, and the lighting equipment on and special warning devices carried by school buses, by county parks and recreation programs for school children in the summer and before or after school."