HI HB316

Establishes a safe routes to school advisory committee within the planning branch of the highways division of the Department of Transportation to develop strategies ensuring children can safely bike, walk, roll, or bus to school.

Requires the advisory committee to develop a comprehensive statewide safe routes to school plan by November 1, 2026, addressing funding mechanisms, streamlined programs, equitable access, and prioritization for Title I schools.

Committee membership includes the safe routes to school program coordinator, representatives from the Department of Health and Department of Education, county police departments, county safe routes coordinators, and representatives from various transportation and community organizations.

Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to hire one full-time equivalent safe routes to school program coordinator and procure facilities and equipment to support the advisory committee.

Takes effect July 1, 2023, and requires the advisory committee to submit its comprehensive plan to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2027 regular session.