SENATE MEMORIAL 112

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Jeff Steinborn

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, TO UNDERTAKE A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE REQUIREMENTS FOR AND USE OF AIR CONDITIONING IN SCHOOL BUSES.

     WHEREAS, rides in non-air-conditioned school buses for students during hot weather periods can be physically and mentally harmful for students; and

     WHEREAS, in many school districts in New Mexico, the outside ambient temperature can rise well into the ninety- and one-hundred-degree range during portions of the school year; and

     WHEREAS, on any given school day, school buses are the largest transit system in the nation and the only mass transit system where air conditioning is optional; and

     WHEREAS, temperatures inside a non-air-conditioned school bus with a white roof and with all vents and windows opened can be ten degrees or more hotter than the outside temperature; and

     WHEREAS, exposure to extremely hot temperatures can cause drowsiness, lethargy and heat-related illness for school bus drivers that can impact driver focus, attention and reaction time, all of which increase the risk for accidents, as drowsy driving is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative education study committee, in consultation with the public education department, be requested to undertake a study to determine the appropriate requirements for, and use of air conditioning in school buses when high temperatures threaten an adverse impact on the health and safety of students and school bus drivers; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislative education study committee report its findings and recommendations to the office of the governor, the public education department, the legislative finance committee and any other appropriate interim legislative committees by November 1, 2019; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of public education, the chair and vice chair of the legislative education study committee, the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council and the director of the legislative education study committee.