As the country continues to deal with worker shortages, including bus drivers, the Republican-controlled Arizona House passed a bill that would make it possible for school districts to use vans to transport students. But all voting Democrats opposed the plan.
Democrat Rep. Judy Schwiebert says she voted no because of safety concerns.
“What every transportation safety expert says is that the 11- to 15-passenger vans in particular that this bill would allow are much more likely to either roll over or even burst into flame," Schwiebert said.
But one Republican, Rep. Shawnna Bolick, pointed out the Department of Public Safety would still oversee the drivers.
The bill now returns to the Senate and is expected to pass and head to Gov. Doug Ducey’s desk.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been modified to clarify that the bill addresses the use of passenger vans.
