A bill being debated in the Kansas Legislature would amend state law to secure unemployment benefits for privately contracted school bus drivers. It would continue to exempt from benefits those bus drivers who are employed directly by the school district.
State Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau’s 14-page SB 3 is long and complex. Essentially, it would make private school bus drivers eligible for unemployment pay during summer breaks between school years as long as they do not leave work voluntarily and without good cause. They also cannot be terminated or suspended for misconduct – or a violation of duty – on the job. Drivers would also have to prove they are applying for “suitable work.”
The bill lists a number of conditions that cannot disqualify a contractor driver from receiving unemployment insurance after leaving work. These circumstances range from doctor-approved leaves of absence due to illnesses, to enlisting for military service but being denied entry, to dealing with harassment from the employer or coworkers.
Additionally, private drivers would not be disqualified for benefits if they were terminated in retaliation for seeking another job or giving a notice of resignation. They would also be protected if they made “good faith” efforts to perform assigned work but were fired because of lack of training or because of “circumstances beyond the individual’s control.”
SB 3 was introduced Jan. 12 and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
