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H 396

EDUCATION – Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding transportation funding for public schools.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 396 modernizes Idaho's student transportation funding, allowing flexible vehicle options and enhancing support for rural students and school districts.

Reported Signed by Governor on April 3, 2025 Session Law Chapter 278 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 396

Summary of House Bill 396 (H 396)

Title

EDUCATION – Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding transportation funding for public schools.

Status

  • Reported Signed by Governor: April 3, 2025
  • Session Law Chapter: 278
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Introduction

  • Introduced on: March 11, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject Areas: Education, Schools and School Districts, Students, Transportation

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 396 aims to streamline and modernize the funding mechanisms for student transportation in Idaho. The bill seeks to remove outdated provisions and allow for greater flexibility in the types of vehicles used for student transportation, recognizing that large yellow school buses may not be suitable for all situations.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments and additions to existing Idaho Code:

  1. Transportation Support Program Revision:

    • Updates the allowable costs for transporting students, including maintenance, operation, and depreciation of vehicles, insurance, and salaries of drivers.
    • Excludes costs associated with optional vehicle features that are not essential for safety or for transporting students with disabilities.

  2. Alternative Transportation Vehicles:

    • Introduces provisions to allow the use of alternative vehicles for student transportation, expanding options beyond traditional school buses.

  3. Inspection and Driver Requirements:

    • Revises the requirements for the inspection of authorized vehicles and the qualifications for school bus drivers.

  4. New Section on Authorized Vehicles:

    • Establishes a new section that outlines the requirements for vehicles authorized to transport students to and from school and related events.

  5. Hardship Bus Runs:

    • Defines criteria for hardship bus runs, which may qualify for higher reimbursement rates if they meet specific conditions, such as low student ridership or poor road conditions.

Fiscal Impact

  • The changes introduced by this bill are not expected to affect the fiscal year 2026 K-12 budget. Instead, they will be accounted for in the fiscal year 2027 budget request, with a normal funding increase projected based on inflationary costs.

Affected Parties

  • School Districts and Charter Schools: The bill will directly impact how these entities manage and fund their student transportation services.
  • Students and Parents: The flexibility in transportation options may enhance accessibility and convenience for students, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 11, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Education Committee.
  • March 25, 2025: Reported out of committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • April 1, 2025: Passed in the House with a vote of 62-6-2 and subsequently passed in the Senate.
  • April 3, 2025: Signed by the Governor and reported as law.

Conclusion

House Bill 396 represents a significant update to Idaho's student transportation funding framework, aiming to enhance flexibility and efficiency in how students are transported to and from school. The bill's provisions are designed to better meet the diverse needs of students and school districts across the state.

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

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