HI SB868

Establishes a one-year school bus driver certification subsidy pilot program within the Department of Education for the 2025-2026 school year to address the chronic statewide shortage of school bus drivers (approximately 179 additional drivers needed).

Requires the Department of Education to establish eligibility criteria, a training curriculum for obtaining a commercial driver's license with school bus endorsements, and pathways for existing school van drivers and bus aides to obtain required certifications.

Directs the Department of Education to submit an interim report to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2026 regular session and a final report no later than 20 days before the 2027 regular session, including any proposed legislation.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the pilot program (specific dollar amount left blank in bill text).

Program terminates at the end of the 2025-2026 school year; act takes effect July 1, 2025.