AN ACT CONCERNING FREE BUS PASSES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joshua Hall

Establishes a statewide program to supply free bus passes to high school students, reducing transportation barriers and defining issuance, funding, and administration.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Education

#buses #highschools #masstransit #students

Summary — HB 5382: AN ACT CONCERNING FREE BUS PASSES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Overview

HB 5382 is proposed legislation intended to establish a program that provides free bus passes to high school students. The bill aims to remove transportation cost barriers to attendance and participation in schooling, with the goal of improving access to education for students who rely on public or school district transportation.

Status and Legislative Path

Introduced: March 14, 2025

Filed: March 14, 2025

First Reading: April 7, 2025

Referred: Intergovernmental Affairs (also previously referred to the Joint Committee on Education)

Related/Companion: SB 710

Initial Referrals: The bill was initially referred to the Joint Committee on Education and, on April 7, 2025, referred to Intergovernmental Affairs

What the bill would do

Create a statewide program to provide free bus passes to high school students.

Establish the framework for issuing passes, eligibility, and administration (details would be specified in the bill text).

Coordinate with relevant state agencies and transportation authorities to implement the program.

Potentially set rules around allowable uses of passes, validity periods, and any limitations or conditions.

Who is affected

High school students who qualify for or receive the free bus passes.

School districts and local education agencies responsible for student transportation logistics.

Public transit agencies and other transportation providers that would honor the passes.

State agencies involved in education, transportation, and intergovernmental coordination (e.g., Departments of Education and Transportation).

Key provisions and changes (as typically included in this type of legislation)

Definition of eligible students and participating institutions

Administration and issuance procedures for passes (eligibility verification, renewal, and replacement processes)

Funding mechanisms and fiscal oversight (how the program would be financed)

Roles and responsibilities of state and local entities

Compliance, reporting, and accountability measures

Timeline for implementation and potential phased rollout

Relationship to existing transportation or student support programs

Note: The specific details (eligibility criteria, funding amounts, dates for implementation, and administrative structure) are not provided in the information available. The bill text would spell out these components.

Fiscal and implementation considerations

The bill would require funding to cover the cost of free passes for participating students.

Implementation would involve coordination between the state, school districts, and transit providers.

Potential future fiscal notes—if available—would estimate annual costs and any cost-sharing arrangements.

Related considerations

Companion bill SB 710 indicates parallel or companion legislation exists, which may be useful for understanding broader intent and potential cross-rail provisions.

As the bill is at an early stage (referral to committees), amendments and fiscal analyses may be introduced during committee review.

Next steps for readers

Monitor committee hearings for HB 5382 to learn specific eligibility criteria, funding details, and implementation timelines.

Review SB 710 for parallel provisions and a fuller picture of legislative intent.

Await fiscal notes and sponsor testimony to understand anticipated costs and impact on students, districts, and transit agencies.