School Bus Driver Certification Process Streamlined by New PA Legislation

A bill aimed at simplifying the medical certification process for Pennsylvania’s school bus drivers has passed both chambers of the General Assembly and is now headed to Governor Josh Shapiro for final approval.

House Bill 240, sponsored by Representative Kerry Benninghoff, passed unanimously in the Senate on Monday with a 50-0 vote. The bill updates state law to eliminate what lawmakers describe as a redundant requirement for bus drivers who wear hearing aids.

Under current law, school bus drivers must pass a physical exam, including a hearing test. If the driver uses a hearing aid, the law also requires an electroacoustic analysis to ensure the device meets manufacturer specifications. HB 240 removes that extra layer of testing, provided the driver can meet the state’s minimum hearing standards while using the hearing aid.

Benninghoff shared the news on social media:
“Thank you to my Senate colleagues, who today unanimously passed my legislation that would address redundancy in the school bus driver testing process by eliminating the need to test the hearing aid itself. House Bill 240 now awaits Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature to make it a law.”

The bill amends Section 1509 of Title 75 in the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, which governs the qualifications for school bus driver endorsements. While physical and vision exams will still be required every 13 months, the bill clarifies that a functioning hearing aid—as verified through a standard hearing test—is sufficient for compliance.

HB 240 received bipartisan backing in both chambers. In addition to Benninghoff, House co-sponsors included Reps. Jamie Flick, Joseph Hohenstein, Mike Jones, Rob Kauffman, Malcolm Kenyatta, Ed Neilson, Tina Pickett, David Rowe, Donna Scheuren, Melissa Shusterman, Brian Smith, and Jim Haddock.

If signed into law by Governor Shapiro, the legislation will take effect in 60 days.