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HB 2491

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for when provided relating to transportation of pupils and for kinds of transportation and liability insurance; and, in charter schools, further providing for transportation.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Anderson and 14 co-sponsors

The bill clarifies and potentially expands who must provide pupil transportation, acceptable transport modes, and required liability insurance for schools and charter schools.

Referred to Transportation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2491

Summary of HB 2491 (Session 2025-2026, Pennsylvania)

Note: The bill text provided appears to reflect introduced language from an April 2022 filing, with a later action history showing referral to Transportation in 2026. The summary below focuses on the substantive provisions described in the text and their likely policy impact, based on the bill’s title and excerpted sections.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to amend the Public School Code of 1949, specifically adjustments related to transportation of pupils and the types of transportation and liability insurance requirements.
  • It also includes revisions related to transportation provisions for charter schools.
  • Overall objective appears to be clarifying and potentially expanding or modifying who is responsible for pupil transportation, what kinds of transportation qualify, and the insurance obligations to protect students during commuting to and from school.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the bill’s description)

  • Pupils and attendance – transportation provisions:
    • The bill “further provides for when provided relating to transportation of pupils” which suggests changes to:
    • When transportation must be provided (e.g., eligibility thresholds, distance, or special education needs).
    • Conditions under which transportation services must be offered by school districts or charter schools.
    • Kinds of transportation: The bill addresses “kinds of transportation” which could include:
    • School bus services, transportation by contracted providers, or alternatives (e.g., public transit arrangements, shuttle services).
    • Criteria for acceptable modes of transportation for transporting pupils to and from school.
  • Liability insurance:
    • The bill discusses liability insurance requirements for transportation, likely detailing:
    • Minimum insurance limits for providers operating school transportation services.
    • Responsibility of school districts or charter schools to ensure coverage is in place for incidents involving pupils while being transported.
  • Charter schools – transportation:
    • Adds or clarifies transportation provisions specific to charter schools, which may involve:
    • Transportation eligibility and provision standards for charter school students.
    • Insurance and liability requirements applicable to charter school transportation operations or contractors.
  • Definitions (Title 18, §103):
    • The bill introduces or updates definitions applicable to its provisions, including how “person” or other terms are interpreted for purposes of general provisions, rights, and immunities, which can affect the scope of liability and duties in transportation contexts.

Who would be affected

  • School districts: Potential changes in:
    • Eligibility criteria for providing transportation.
    • Requirements to contract or fund transportation services.
    • Insurance and liability standards for transportation programs.
  • Charter schools: New or revised transportation obligations, including:
    • How students are transported to and from charter facilities.
    • Insurance coverage and contract requirements for transportation providers serving charter schools.
  • Pupils and families: Students eligible for transportation benefits could see changes in:
    • Accessibility to transportation options.
    • Safety standards and protections arising from updated insurance requirements.
  • Transportation providers: Bus, contract, or other carrier operators may face:
    • Updated liability insurance minimums.
    • Compliance with defined types of transport and service requirements.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Legislative status: Introduced in 2022; as of the latest action history, the bill was referred to the Judiciary and, in 2026, to the Transportation Committee. This indicates ongoingcommittee review and potential amendments before floor consideration.
  • Implementation timeline: The bill text does not specify a phase-in period within the excerpt provided. Typically, such measures would include:
    • Effective date upon enactment.
    • Possible transition periods for districts and charter schools to meet new insurance or transportation criteria.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Safety and accountability: By tightening or clarifying transportation and insurance requirements, the bill could improve student safety and provider accountability.
  • Financial implications: Higher insurance requirements or expanded transportation obligations could affect school district and charter school budgets, especially for districts with long-standing transportation arrangements or for smaller providers.
  • Equity and access: Changes to eligibility or service standards could influence which students receive transportation and how accessible schooling is for those relying on district or charter transportation.
  • Operational flexibility: Revisions to “kinds of transportation” may broaden or limit options available to districts and charter schools for meeting transportation needs.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific elements (e.g., insurance requirements, charter school provisions, or potential fiscal impacts) or compare it with current statutory language to highlight exact changes.

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

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