MD SB1044

State Board of Education must adopt regulations allowing alternative school vehicles (including taxicabs, commercial motor coaches, and transportation network services like Uber/Lyft) to transport students to and from school

County boards may authorize alternative school vehicles when they determine it necessary to own, operate, or contract such vehicles for student transportation

Vehicles may be used regardless of whether they transport more than one student or have standard school bus safety equipment (back-up alarms, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, seat belt cutters)

Alternative school vehicles and multifunction school activity buses must undergo two inspections per school year, spaced more than 120 days apart, by technicians certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

Effective date: July 1, 2025