GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1999

H	2 

HOUSE BILL 1440
Committee Substitute Favorable 5/19/99

Short Title:  Driver Safety Ed./Study/Funds.	(Public)

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Sponsors:

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Referred to:  

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April 29, 1999

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT DIRECTING THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO STUDY WAYS TO ENHANCE, STRENGTHEN, AND MAKE MORE UNIFORM NORTH CAROLINA'S DRIVER AND SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM AND TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THIS PURPOSE.
Whereas, the State of North Carolina led the country in the number of teenage fatalities in 1998 and ranks in the top 10 states for preventable traffic-related injury; and
Whereas, the State of North Carolina has implemented the strongest graduated drivers license program in the country; and
Whereas, young drivers require additional instruction, monitoring, and support to ensure the reduction of preventable death and serious injury; and
Whereas, the administrative responsibilities for the North Carolina driver and safety education program is split between the Division of Motor Vehicles, which oversees the professional driving schools, and the State Board of Education, which transmits the funds from the Highway Fund to the local school districts, with no one agency overseeing the curriculum, driver instructor qualifications, and ensuring that all of the qualified young drivers receive the training in a timely fashion; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The State Board of Education, in coordination with the Division of Motor Vehicles, shall study and make recommendations related to driver education programs provided to high school students.  The study shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1)	Whether the driver education curriculum reflects current passenger vehicle safety standards and addresses the major causes of preventable death and serious injury to young drivers.
(2)	How to provide clear and consistent oversight of driver education programs for high school students including assistance to local school administrative units, supervision of funds, and improvements in the quality of driver education instruction.
(3)	The adoption and implementation of uniform rules concerning driver education for high school students including the bid process for contracting for driver training services, safety standards for vehicles used for behind the wheel driver training, and certification standards for driver training instructors and teachers.
(4)	A proposed timetable for implementation of any recommended changes.
The State Board shall ensure that at least one representative from the North Carolina Driver and Safety Education Association, at least one instructor employed by a private driving school, and at least one public school teacher who is certified in driver education are involved in the study.  The State Board shall report its findings and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee prior to May 15, 2000.
Section 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the State Board of Education the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for the 1999-2000 fiscal year to implement the provisions of Section 1 of this act.
Section 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 1999.