HB5064: DCFS-TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS

Legislative Summary

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that a purchase of service agency under contract with the Department of Children and Family Services to provide transportation services to children and families must comply with all applicable federal and State laws and regulations and Department rules and must certify in the signed purchased of service contract that: (i) the agency has trained all of its drivers on how to properly install and operate an approved child restraint system as defined in the Child Passenger Protection Act; (ii) all drivers possess a valid driver's license and have a driving record devoid of any convictions of traffic violations or evidence of committing an offense for which mandatory revocation would be required upon conviction; (iii) any motor vehicle operated by a driver during the transport of any child on behalf of the Department is insured and such insurance will be maintained throughout the period for which the motor vehicle is used to transport any child on behalf of the Department; and (iv) all vehicles used to transport children are properly maintained, clean, and smoke free with properly functioning heating and air conditioner systems that the driver has been instructed to utilize as appropriate for the weather conditions. Requires a purchase of service agency to provide a designated telephone number that drivers, parents, foster parents, and legal guardians can use to communicate with the agency at any point before or during a scheduled transport or family visit to notify the agency regarding a late pickup or arrival. Requires each agency driver to certify in a written statement that he or she will comply with all laws, regulations, and Department rules including requirements concerning child restraint systems, possession of a valid driver's license, completion of a fingerprint-based criminal history records check, and other matters. Requires the Department to conduct annual checks on purchase of service agencies and drivers to ensure compliance. Grants the Department rulemaking authority to implement the new provisions.