WA SB5009

School districts may use vehicles other than school buses (including district-owned passenger cars) for student transportation and receive state funding allocations for all vehicle types used, provided the district board considers student safety and cost-effectiveness

Superintendent of Public Instruction must establish vehicle categories and competitive specifications for student transportation vehicles beyond just school buses, with reimbursement based on lowest bid prices in each category

Drivers transporting students in Washington State Patrol-inspected vehicles other than school buses are not required to hold a commercial driver's license; rules for these drivers must be developed by September 1, 2026

"School bus" definition under commercial driver's license requirements excludes student transportation vehicles with seating capacity of 10 or fewer persons, including the driver

Effective July 27, 2025, except for reporting requirements and allocation formula changes which take effect September 1, 2026; passed unanimously (Senate 49-0, House 96-0)