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Bill

H 616

An Act to allow for school districts to collect a fee associated with nonresident pupil transportation

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Hannah Kane and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts school districts gain authority to charge transportation fees for out-of-district students, potentially offsetting costs but raising equity concerns for low-income families.

Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2
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Bill Summary · H 616

Legislative bill overview

H.616 would authorize Massachusetts school districts to charge fees for transporting students who reside outside their district boundaries. Currently, most districts cannot collect such fees, making nonresident transportation a cost borne entirely by the district. This bill aims to give districts a revenue tool to offset transportation expenses for out-of-district students.

Why is this important

School transportation is a significant budget item, and allowing districts to recover costs from nonresident families could reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers or free up funds for educational programs. Conversely, the fee structure could affect educational access and equity, particularly for lower-income families relying on nonresident placements for specialized programs or circumstances.

Potential points of contention

  • Equity concerns: Fees could price out lower-income families seeking nonresident placements, potentially limiting access to specialized programs or choice schools
  • Fee structure uncertainty: The bill doesn't specify maximum fees, pricing methodology, or exemptions, leaving implementation details unclear and potentially open to wide variation between districts
  • Administrative complexity: Determining eligibility, fee collection, and enforcement across district lines creates operational and bureaucratic challenges
  • Existing agreements: May conflict with existing interdistrict choice agreements or special education transportation requirements that districts are already obligated to provide

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

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