UT HB0462

Creates a grant program for rural school districts to install and operate internet connectivity systems on school buses, with $325,000 appropriated from the Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account for fiscal year 2027

Eligible districts include those in fourth, fifth, or sixth class counties or districts with fewer than 3,000 enrolled students

Each eligible rural school district must receive funding for at least two school buses, with grants capped at the cost of retrofitting two buses plus one year of internet service

Grant recipients must maintain internet connectivity systems for at least three years, assume ongoing service costs after grant funds are exhausted, and apply the same content filtering policies used in school buildings

State Board of Education must establish rules for grant applications, cost methodology, and reporting requirements; districts failing to maintain systems for three years may be required to repay grant funds