HI HB1330

Appropriates funds from general revenues to the Department of Education for school bus services for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, with the specific dollar amount left blank in the bill text.

Addresses nationwide school bus driver shortage that has impacted 80% of school districts, with 150 of 700 driver positions vacant in Hawaii as of September 2022.

Recognizes that approximately 33,000 students statewide depend on DOE-funded school buses and that rural and remote areas are particularly affected by driver shortages.

Funds are intended to support hiring of additional school bus drivers and increase student transportation capacity to improve school attendance rates.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.