(a) As used in this Code section, the term “educational institution” means any elementary or secondary school, any child care learning center, and any college, university, technical school, or other institution of higher learning.
(b) No educational institution receiving state funds shall enter into an agreement with a motor carrier or contract carrier for the purpose of transporting students without first verifying that such carrier is certified by the Department of Public Safety as required by Article 5 of Chapter 2 of Title 35, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or any other similarly required certifying agency.