AL SB373

Changes school bus depreciation schedule from 10 years to 12 years for calculating transportation allowance funding to local school boards.

Requires depreciation funds to be set aside in a restricted fund for fleet renewal only and prohibits use for operating costs.

Allows State Superintendent of Education to grant year-to-year waivers for buses operating beyond 12 years, up to a maximum of 15 years of service.

Requires buses over 12 years old to be inspected at least twice annually, with inspector authority to order repairs or removal from service if deemed unsafe.

Mandates that steering, braking, and exhaust systems of all conventional buses over 12 years old be thoroughly reconditioned or replaced prior to continued use.