Since I often write about the insensible acts and lapses in background checks committed by state, municipal, and public service agencies, I thought this one would offer a pleasant relief. Connecticut Governor, M. Jodi Rell, just signed into law a bill into law that will increase penalties for falsifying school bus safety records or transporting students on out-of-service buses. This is one of those wise and sensible acts that helped protect children.
Not long ago, it was discovered that a worker for the bus company was falsifying information, lying in plain language. It would appear that the falsification of information was not limited to the one worker, but other bus companies were doing the same. By hiding key information, including driving records and criminal charges, these “omissions” served to make that bus ride that much more dangerous for the kids.
The bill the Governor signed into law requires the DMV to conduct background checks on employees hired to make and issue driver’s licenses and identification cards. The cost of the background checks will be covered by a federal grant. Money, in my opinion, that is being put to good use. The new law will also make mandatory fines of $2,500 and will require drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol to install ignition interlock devices for 10 years after conviction.
Background checks will be helpful in keeping the bus companies honest about their drivers. Nobody needs drunk drivers tooling their children around the city on a school bus.