Iowa House approves bill allowing federal ELDT to qualify as school bus training; bill passes 94–1

The Iowa House on Tuesday approved House File 395 to ease requirements for school bus driver certification and help address a statewide driver shortage. Representative Tom Moore, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure "will require the Department of Education to accept proof that a person successfully completed their entry level driver's training, ELDT, as an approved course of instruction for school bus drivers" when the federal training includes passenger- and school-bus-endorsement curricula.

The bill directs the Department of Transportation and the Department of Education to work together to establish one training program and consistent rules for school bus operation across Iowa. "We are working to try to attack a serious bus driver shortage that we have in this state," Moore said, noting the common sight of yellow school buses bearing "drivers wanted" signs.

Supporters emphasized operational simplicity and local staffing relief. Representative Kurth said the measure is "a very good and very needed bill," citing feedback from school districts that struggle to recruit drivers. No substantive amendments were adopted on the floor after a previously filed amendment (H1060) was withdrawn for the day by its sponsor.

House File 395 was read for the last time and placed on final passage. The roll call showed 94 ayes, 1 nay and 5 absent; the House declared the bill passed by a constitutional majority.

The measure will go to the Senate for consideration. The House did not specify implementation timelines in floor remarks; the bill text tasks state agencies with creating the uniform training and endorsement guidance.