PA HB1539

Establishes the Electric School Bus Grant Program within the Department of Education to provide competitive grants for purchasing electric school buses, converting diesel buses to electric, installing charging infrastructure, and workforce training

Eligible applicants include school districts, intermediate units, career and technical schools, chartered schools for deaf or blind students, and nonprofit/for-profit contracted transportation providers

Priority funding goes to applicants in EPA-designated nonattainment areas, those receiving concentrated poverty adjustments, rural/sparse districts, applicants retiring significant portions of their diesel fleets, and those purchasing ADA-accessible buses

Creates the Electric School Bus Grant Program Fund in the State Treasury, funded by federal money, private donations, and legislative appropriations, with up to 8% available for administrative costs

Requires biennial progress reports to legislative education, environmental, and transportation committees beginning January 1, 2026, with the act taking effect 60 days after enactment