WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 2517

An Act addressing the shortage of school bus drivers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Priscila Sousa

HD 2517: An Act Addressing the Shortage of School Bus Drivers Bill SummaryThis proposed legislation aims to address the ongoing shortage of school bus drivers across the state. The

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2517

HD 2517: An Act Addressing the Shortage of School Bus Drivers

Bill Summary

This proposed legislation aims to address the ongoing shortage of school bus drivers across the state. The main provisions of the bill are as follows:

Increased Funding for Driver Training and Recruitment

  • Allocates $10 million in additional funding for school districts to provide commercial driver's license (CDL) training and support recruitment efforts for bus driver positions.
  • Allows districts to use these funds to offer tuition reimbursement, signing bonuses, and other incentives to attract and retain qualified bus drivers.

Streamlined CDL Requirements

  • Directs the state Department of Motor Vehicles to review and streamline the process for obtaining a school bus CDL, reducing barriers to entry.
  • Allows the DMV to waive certain training hours or testing requirements for qualified applicants with relevant prior experience.

Flexible Employment Models

  • Authorizes school districts to offer part-time, seasonal, and other flexible employment models for bus drivers to improve work-life balance and retention.
  • Permits districts to partner with third-party transportation providers to supplement their own driver workforce as needed.

Increased Compensation and Benefits

  • Requires districts to raise minimum hourly wages for bus drivers to at least $20, with annual cost-of-living adjustments.
  • Mandates that districts provide bus drivers with health insurance and retirement benefits comparable to other school employees.

Impact and Timeline

The bill is intended to make the school bus driver profession more attractive and accessible, addressing critical staffing shortages that have forced many districts to reduce or modify transportation services.

If passed, the new funding, policy changes, and employment reforms would be implemented over a 2-year period, with the goal of significantly increasing the pool of qualified bus drivers by the start of the 2028-2029 school year.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.