As part of the 2010 fiscal year budget for the Michigan State Police (MSP), signed today by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, safety inspections of Michigan school buses will continue without interruption.

The layoff notices issued previously to 11 MSP vehicle safety inspectors have been rescinded.

Per the Governor's direction, the department will identify resources within its budget for transfer into the school bus inspection program.  Where this funding will come from has yet to be determined, but may result in a reduction in service elsewhere. 

MCL 257.1839 requires the MSP to conduct the inspections annually.  School buses are inspected on a cycle beginning September 1 and ending August 31.  In the 2009 school year, 17,085 buses were inspected.

The school bus inspection program costs approximately $1.43 million a year.