House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

We will soon be introducing legislation that will allow school districts to more efficiently and effectively operate their bus services. This will both reduce costs and reduce pollution. 
 

Today, many school districts who provide transportation to their students interpret the state law to require them to run a seat for every student.  This causes buses to operate at only 40% or less capacity.  With COVID-19, and potentially looking at smaller capacities, this may even get worse.  
 

Many families choose to get their students to school by means other than the bus. 
 

Our legislation will make it clear that school districts may offer a transportation opt-out policy for families.  It would also include a process for parents to opt back in and allow transportation for pupils in an emergency, and require the district to run with a small percentage of extra seats in the case of a student having an unexpected issue. 
 

The school district would be responsible for the development and implementation of this program, which is entirely voluntary.   Any student/family who wants bus transportation would still be provided it.  However, in many districts this transportation opt-out policy would provide an option to address the issue of running empty school buses.    
 

Please consider joining us in cosponsoring this legislation.