House Bill 339 - Summary

• Revises Section 33-1006 to specify allowable costs for the Transportation Support Program, limiting reimbursement to miles directly associated with regular school attendance during regular days and hours.

• Sets state reimbursement at 50% of reimbursable transportation costs, except for state department training, fee assessments, bus depreciation and maintenance costs which receive 85% reimbursement.

• Establishes a 103% cap on reimbursable costs per mile or per student rider (whichever is more advantageous), with provisions for school districts to appeal for higher limits based on hardship bus run criteria including low student ridership and unpaved roads.

• Provides reimbursement eligibility for home-based public virtual schools beginning July 1, 2005, covering internet connections, computer equipment, toll-free phone service, face-to-face visits, and actual pupil transportation costs at 85% state share.

• Establishes a hold-harmless funding mechanism to distribute state funds lost in fiscal year 2010 due to reimbursement rate changes, with ongoing adjustments based on support units, statewide transportation reimbursements, and student enrollment changes.

• Repeals Section 33-1006A relating to pupil transportation audits.