Through the strength of collective action PSBA has been able to accomplish great things for school bus safety and the school bus industry. We encourage Pennsylvania school bus contractors to get involved, voice their opinions, and make a positive impact on their industry. PSBA’s Executive Director and Government Relations Representative meet regularly with elected officials as well as representatives from regulatory agencies such as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

On Tuesday May 2^nd, members of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association will gather in Harrisburg for PSBA’s 2023 Legislative Day at the Capitol.  This is an opportunity to meet face to face with members of our legislature and show the strength of our organization and dedication to providing safe and responsible transportation to students across the Commonwealth. 

There is power in numbers and when we have a large group in attendance, we can show that we are part of a statewide organization that is essential to our communities.  We will have limited space so be sure to sign up at www.paschoolbus.org/2023LegDay by April 25 to guarantee your spot.

Each year brings new legislative and regulatory challenges for the school bus industry. Some of our accomplishments include the following:

• PSBA successfully led legislative efforts to expand the school bus physical renewal period from 12 to 13 months.
• PSBA helped pass legislation to exempt school buses, parts, and accessories from sales tax.
• PSBA helped with the passage of the railroad crossing bill mandating that school buses must stop at railroad crossings.
• PSBA surpassed federal requirements making Pennsylvania one of the first states in the nation to require side stop arms on school buses.
• PSBA took the lead role in passing legislation that allows third party testers to continue CDL testing in Pennsylvania.
• PSBA was at the forefront in working with lawmakers to require criminal history checks of school bus drivers.
• PSBA was successful in implementing school bus vehicle license tags saving contractors 100's of dollars in registration fees.
• PSBA was successful in negotiating a compromise on 4-year retesting that was favorable to the school transportation industry.
• PSBA worked with PennDOT's Medical Advisory Board to establish the criteria for medical waivers for cardiovascular and hyperglycemic drivers.
• PSBA's brochure "Think About School Bus Safety?" was the 1991 recipient of the governor's Highway Safety Award in Safety Education.
• PSBA was successful in reducing the minimum amount of time a licensee must hold a permit to 15 day.

If you have any questions about PSBA’s advocacy program, please contact the PSBA office by email or call  717-975-1951.