AZ SB1630

Authorizes school districts and charter schools to use motor vehicles designed to carry 11-15 passengers as alternatives to traditional school buses for regular student transportation, subject to safety rules adopted by the Department of Public Safety.

Allows school districts to include route mileage and ridership data from vehicles described in section 15-925 when calculating transportation funding under state aid formulas.

Expands the Student Transportation Advisory Council from 9 to 13 members, adding representatives for charter schools, electric vehicle expertise, and two public members, and requires the council to meet at least twice annually.

Establishes new certification and safety requirements for drivers of alternative student transportation vehicles, including fingerprint clearance cards and appropriate licensing based on vehicle size and weight.

Updates school report cards to include references to vehicle stops and safety incidents involving alternative transportation vehicles, and modifies insurance provisions to cover operators of authorized alternative vehicles.