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HI SB2395

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/21/2026

Primary Sponsor

Brandon Elefante

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires the Hawaii Department of Education to provide free bus passes to students whose households qualify for free or reduced price lunch under the federal lunch program
  • Mandates priority enrollment in the school bus program for low-income students, addressing barriers in the current first-come, first-served reservation system
  • Requires automatic or streamlined eligibility determination using existing lunch program data, eliminating the need for separate applications or duplicate documentation
  • Directs the department to proactively notify families about free bus pass eligibility, timelines, and application periods through improved communications
  • Requires annual reports to the legislature detailing the number of students receiving free passes, funds expended, outreach efforts, and implementation procedures; effective July 1, 2026

Legislative Description

Relating To Student Transportation.

Appropriation ($)

Last Action

The committee on EDU deferred the measure.

2/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Education1/28/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available