nh-2026-196: School Bus Transportation Updates and Inspections

1. Agency: Department of Safety, Commissioner

Agency Address: Department of Safety, Commissioner 33 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03305

6. (a) Summary of what the rule says and of any proposed amendments including

whether the rule implements a state statute for the first time: The proposed amendment adds additional definitions for an authorized agent, school bus inspection station, and school bus inspection sticker. The proposed amendment also adds prohibited behavior of a school bus driver while on duty, clarifies the requirements of a school bus driver certified in another jurisdiction whose intent is to become a school bus driver in New Hampshire, allows for bumper color variations for propane or electric buses, allows for school buses to add a signage to the rear of the vehicle indicating stoppage at railroad crossings, and adds fire extinguisher annual inspections for specific school bus types. The proposed adoption is to comply with RSA 266:7, establishing school bus inspection program is a result of the repeal of RSA 266:1. _ Does this rule implement a state statute for the first time? None of the proposed implements a state statute for the first time. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (603) 271-3680 Generated on 09/22/2026 6. (b) Brief description of the groups affected: Independently owned businesses choosing to establish a bus inspection station. Political subdivisions which own or operate their own school bus fleet and choose to establish an in-house school bus inspection station. Existing school bus companies that choose to perform in-house inspections. 6. (c) Specific section or sections of state statute or federal statute or regulation which the rule is intended to implement: RULE STATUTE Saf-C 1302.01 RSA 21-P:14, V; RSA 259:96 Saf-C 1302.02 RSA 21-P:14, V Saf-C 1302.03 RSA 259:13 Saf-C 1302.04 RSA 259:19 Saf-C 1302.05 RSA 259:20 Saf-C 1302.06 RSA 259:22 Saf-C 1302.07 RSA 21-P:14, V Saf-C 1302.08 RSA 21-P:14, V Saf-C 1302.09 RSA 21-P:14, V Saf-C 1302.10 RSA 259:81 Saf-C 1302.11 RSA 21-P:14, V Saf-C 1302.12 RSA 21-P:14, V Saf-C 1302.13 RSA 259:96 Saf-C 1302.14 RSA 21-P:14, V Saf-C 1302.15 RSA 259:96 Saf-C 1302.16 RSA 21-P:14, V Saf-C 1302.17 RSA 21-P:14, V Saf-C 1302.18 RSA 21-P:14, V Saf-C 1304.01 RSA 21-P:14, V(d); RSA 260:5; RSA 263:29; RSA Saf-C 1305.05 RSA 21-P:14, V(d); RSA 260:5; RSA 263:29; RSA 265:58 Saf-C 1306.05 RSA 260:5; RSA 265:58 Saf-C 1307.02-Saf-C 1307.04 RSA 21-P:14, V(b); RSA 260:5; RSA 266:7 Saf-C 1307.06-Saf-C 1307.07 RSA 21-P:14, V(b); RSA 260:5; RSA 266:7 Saf-C 1307.09 RSA 21-P:14, V(b); RSA 260:5; RSA 266:7 Saf-C 1307.11 RSA 21-P:14, V(b); RSA 260:5; RSA 266:7 Saf-C 1308.05 RSA 21-P:14, V(c); RSA 260:5; RSA 266:62 Saf-C 1308.14 RSA 21-P:14, V(c); RSA 260:5; RSA 266:62 Saf-C 1310.02 RSA 21-P:14, V(c); RSA 260:5; RSA 266:62 Saf-C 1318.01-Saf-C 1318.02 RSA 21-P:14, V; RSA 266:7 Saf-C 1319.01-Saf-C 1319.12 RSA 21-P:14, V; RSA 266:7 Saf-C 1320.01-Saf-C 1320.04 RSA 21-P:14, V; RSA 266:7 ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (603) 271-3680 Generated on 09/22/2026 Saf-C 1321.01-Saf-C 1321.06 RSA 21-P:14, V; RSA 266:7 Saf-C 1322.01 RSA 21-P:14, V; RSA 266:7 Saf-C 1323.01 RSA 21-P:14, V; RSA 266:7 Saf-C 1324.01 RSA 21-P:14, V; RSA 266:7

7. Contact person for copies and questions including requests to accommodate

persons with disabilities: Name: Melissa J Reilly Title: DMV Deputy Director Address: 23 Hazen Drive Phone Number: (603) 731-4846 Concord, NH 03305 FAX Number: Email: DMV.Rules@dos.nh.gov

8. Deadline for submission of materials in writing or, if practicable for the agency, in

the electronic format specified: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 _ Fax X Email DMV.Rules@dos.nh.gov _ Other

9. Public hearing scheduled for:

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM Place: Department of Safety 33 Hazen Drive 2nd Flr Conference Room Concord, NH 03305 Electronic Access, if applicable: N/A

10. Fiscal Impact Statement (Prepared by Legislative Budget Assistant):

FIS #: 26:210, dated: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

1. Comparison of the costs of the proposed rule(s) to the existing rule(s):

When compared to the existing rules, the proposed rules may increase costs for certain political subdivisions and independently owned businesses. Not applicable to Saf- C 1318 through Saf-C 1323, which are new rules.

2. Cite the Federal mandate. Identify the impact on state funds:

No federal mandate, no impact on state funds. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (603) 271-3680 Generated on 09/22/2026

3. Cost and benefits of the proposed rule(s):

The proposed rules add a requirement that fire extinguishers on school buses be inspected annually by a certified technician, which may increase costs to political subdivisions and certain independently owned businesses. The new rules, Saf-C 1318 through Saf-C 1323, could result in indeterminable costs for independently owned businesses choosing to become school bus inspection stations, including costs for additional equipment and tools, hiring or maintaining a certified school bus mechanic, facility modifications or expansion, training, testing, applications, and other administrative requirements. Political subdivisions that own or operate school buses could also experience costs if they choose to establish or maintain their own inspection operations or otherwise need to comply with the proposed inspection requirements. These costs may be offset for existing school bus companies or political subdivisions able to perform inspections in-house, while inspection stations may also generate revenue from fees charged for school bus inspections.

B. To State citizens and political subdivisions:

See #3 above. No impact on state citizens.

C. To independently owned businesses:

See #3 above. 11. Statement Relative to Part I, Article 28-a of the N.H. Constitution: Any additional cost incurred by a political subdivision under this proposal would result solely from complying with the federal regulation 49 CFR §393.95 Emergency Equipment Regulation, which governs emergency equipment requirements for school bus types A, B, C, and D. Therefore, this proposal does not violate Part I, Article 28-a of the N.H. Constitution. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (603) 271-3680 Generated on 09/22/2026