The Florida Department of Education passed an amendment which contains the new requirement on Wednesday to rule 6A-3.0121. That rule requires school bus operators and aides be given written instructions about any special conditions or non-medical care that a student may need while aboard a school bus.   This change is a result of the death of a special needs student who had a seizure on the bus in 2018.  The driver nor bus aide knew lifesaving CPR.

The amendment maintains those requirements, in addition to mandating certified CPR and first aid training along with other required pre-service training. The training must be given to school bus drivers and aides before they transport students, and drivers and aides need to receive refresher in-service training in these areas at least biennially. All drivers and aides must be provided the training by Nov. 1, 2020.