HB1279 Summary

• Increases the mandatory free transportation distance threshold for school pupils from 1.5 miles to 2 miles from school.

• Applies the 2-mile requirement across all school district types including community consolidated, unit, consolidated high school, and newly created districts.

• Updates provisions for pupils attending charter schools and nonpublic schools, allowing school boards to provide transportation for students residing at least 2 miles away on regular bus routes.

• Modifies state reimbursement calculations for transportation costs to use the new 2-mile distance standard for determining eligible pupils.

• Allows school boards to provide optional transportation for pupils living less than 2 miles away and to charge reasonable fees for such service, effective July 1, 2013.