ID H0396

Expands authorized vehicles for pupil transportation beyond traditional school buses to include motor coaches, multifunction school activity buses (Types A, C, and D), multipurpose passenger vehicles, passenger cars, and trucks for school-related events

Replaces "school district" terminology with "authorized transportation operation" throughout transportation funding statutes, extending state reimbursement eligibility to public charter schools operating approved transportation programs

Requires non-bus authorized vehicles to be inspected by qualified mechanics every 60 days, equipped with safety gear (fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency reflectors), and clearly marked with the school district or contractor name

Limits routine home-to-school use of non-bus vehicles to preschool children, special needs children, homeless children, foster children, children inaccessible to buses, and students in alternative schools or vocational programs

Declares an emergency with effective date of July 1, 2025