HI SB2202

Establishes a school bus driver recruitment grant program within the Department of Education to fund commercial learner's permits, commercial driver's licenses, and related costs including applications, testing, driver training, and medical fees.

Creates a school bus driver recruitment special fund to receive legislative appropriations, state and federal grants, certain commercial driver's license fees, and accrued interest.

Implements a repayment signing bonus program providing $1,000 upon hire for drivers with a commercial license, $500 after six months of employment, and $1,000 after one year, with full repayment required if the driver leaves before 36 months.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a three-year school bus driver outreach and pathway program including recruitment campaigns, informational sessions, partnerships with schools and community organizations, and workforce development programs.

Mandates quarterly reports to the legislature on driver vacancies by county, hires and separations, canceled routes, average hourly wages, fund expenditures, and program assessments, with reports posted publicly on the DOE website.