Illinois Law Requires School Bus Drivers to Submit to Drug Testing

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law this week that will suspend school bus driver permits for three years for those who refuse to submit to a drug or alcohol test. The law also suspends permits for drivers who submit to a test that shows the presence of drugs or alcohol in their system, WJBD Radio reports.

According to School Transportation News, the new law allows school bus companies with a reasonable suspicion that one of its drivers is under the influence of drugs or alcohol to require testing before the driver can resume operating a school bus. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2012. Under Illinois law, drivers are already required to submit to fingerprinting and state and federal background checks before obtaining a school bus permit.