A bill sponsored by Rep. Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) that would improve the safety of transportation for foster children passed the House on March 7.
“At a minimum, kids under state care should expect and receive a safe ride home,” she stated in a press release. “My legislation approved by the House will ensure common sense safety measures are required for all drivers providing transportation to children under state care and that no child will be forgotten.”
Elik initiated HB 5064 on Jan. 26, sponsoring it on behalf of a local foster parent who shared concerns about the safety of children in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
“When it was brought to my attention that transportation providers for children under state care were not picking kids up on time or not picking up children at all on a Friday night - I knew something had to change,” she stated.
The bill requires that drivers must submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Drivers are also required to have a valid driver’s license, an adequate driving record, proof of insurance and proper vehicle maintenance.
It also provides proper training for drivers on the installation and operation of a child car seat.
Additionally, the transportation agency must provide specified information for the purposes of communication during the scheduled transport to make sure a child always has a ride home.