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Bill

HD 2480

An Act relative to school bus transportation professionals

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Meg Kilcoyne and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill to improve school bus driver compensation and working conditions to address staffing shortages affecting student transportation services.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2480

Legislative bill overview

HD 2480 proposes measures to improve working conditions, compensation, and professional recognition for school bus drivers and transportation professionals in Massachusetts. The bill addresses staffing challenges in the school transportation sector through enhanced benefits and employment protections.

Why is this important

School bus transportation is essential infrastructure affecting hundreds of thousands of students daily, yet the sector faces severe driver shortages that disrupt service and student access to education. Improving compensation and working conditions could help recruit and retain qualified professionals while reducing service disruptions that impact families and schools.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Enhanced wages and benefits increase municipal and state education budgets during periods of fiscal constraint, potentially requiring tax increases or reallocation from other school services
  • Implementation timeline: Rapid implementation could strain smaller districts' ability to absorb costs and adjust payroll systems
  • Scope of benefits: Questions about which benefits apply to part-time versus full-time drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, and other transportation staff may create equity concerns or administrative complexity
  • Competitive effects: Significantly higher Massachusetts compensation could create regional wage pressures or disparities with neighboring states

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

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