TITLE: Relating to idling the diesel engine of a school bus while the bus is parked at a public school or in a school crossing zone.

SUMMARY: Relating to idling the diesel engine of a school bus while the bus is parked at a public school or in a school crossing zone.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to idling the diesel engine of a school bus while the bus is parked at a public school or in a school crossing zone. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter G, Chapter 545, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 545.309 to read as follows: Sec. 545.309. IDLING BUS DIESEL ENGINE AT SCHOOL OR IN SCHOOL CROSSING ZONE PROHIBITED. (a) In this section, "idling" means allowing an engine to run while the motor vehicle is not engaged in forward or reverse motion. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), the operator of a school bus equipped with a diesel engine may not allow the idling of the bus engine while the bus is parked at a school or in a school crossing zone. (c) Subsection (b) does not prohibit the idling of a school bus diesel engine: (1) for the minimum time necessary to operate the bus before departure, provided that the engine is turned off when a student is embarking or disembarking; or (2) as necessary to accommodate the physical needs of a student who receives special education services, regardless of whether students are embarking or disembarking. (d) A local authority may enforce this section, including on school property. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.