HI HB1770

Establishes a School Bus Driver Recruitment Grant Program within the Department of Education to fund commercial learner's permits, commercial driver's licenses, training courses, medical fees, and mobile training units that can travel to neighbor islands.

Creates the School Bus Driver Recruitment Special Fund to receive legislative appropriations, state and federal grants, and certain fees collected under commercial driver licensing provisions.

Implements a $2,000 signing bonus for individuals with commercial driver's licenses hired as school bus drivers, with full repayment required if the driver leaves or is terminated before completing 36 months of employment.

Requires quarterly reports to the legislature on driver vacancies by county, hiring and retention statistics, program expenditures, canceled or restored routes, and barriers encountered.

Appropriates unspecified amounts from general revenues into the special fund and for signing bonuses, with an effective date of July 1, 3000 (placeholder date).