1. a. Notwithstanding any provision of law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, a student enrolled in the Marie H. Katzenbach school for the deaf may operate a State vehicle for purposes of behind-the-wheel instruction as part of the school's regular curriculum driver education course.
b. A student enrolled in the school shall be deemed a "public employee" or "State employee" for purposes of the "New Jersey Tort Claims Act," N.J.S.59:1-1 et seq., when operating a State vehicle for purposes of behind-the-wheel instruction as part of the school's regular curriculum driver education course.