CO SB111

Creates a school transportation grant program in the Department of Education to provide one-time grants to public schools and school districts for increasing transportation services to students.

State Board of Education must promulgate rules establishing application timelines, application forms, and distribution timelines for grant awards selected by October 1 each year.

Grant applications must include total student enrollment, number of free/reduced-cost lunch eligible students, current transportation service details, and any transportation fees imposed on students or families.

Department prioritizes schools/districts with high percentages of low-income students, followed by those not providing transportation, seeking to expand services, or wanting to eliminate transportation fees.

Establishes a dedicated School Transportation Grant Program Cash Fund fed by general fund surplus transfers of up to $5 million annually beginning July 1, 2021, with grant recipients required to report annually on expenditures and students served.