Notwithstanding any rule of the state board of education to the contrary, all school buses purchased by an LEA or private contractor to transport school students shall meet national minimum school bus standards and all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. A van type vehicle used only to transport students to and from school-related activities is not required to comply with former 23 CFR 1204-4 Guide 17 or any other federal standards, guidelines, or recommendations, but shall comply with applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the state board of education.