House Bill No. 5470 amends existing legislation concerning the transition to zero-emission school buses in Connecticut by postponing the requirement for all school buses to be zero-emission until January 1, 2040. This change allows for the inclusion of alternative fuel and hybrid school buses, which are now defined as buses utilizing both a combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion. Previously, the law mandated that all school buses in districts within or containing an environmental justice community be zero-emission by January 1, 2030, and that all other districts achieve 100% zero-emission or alternative fuel buses by January 1, 2035. The bill also expands the grant program administered by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to provide funding for alternative fuel and hybrid school buses, in addition to zero-emission buses, thereby offering municipalities and school districts greater flexibility and potential cost savings.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to maintain a grant program that provides matching funds for municipalities, school districts, and school bus operators to apply for federal grants aimed at enhancing zero-emission school buses and electric vehicle charging or fueling infrastructure. The new legal language inserted broadens these requirements to include alternative fuel and hybrid school buses. The bill also includes technical and conforming changes for clarity and consistency, with an effective date set for October 1, 2026. This legislation is related to sSB 416, which proposes different requirements for the transition to zero-emission school buses, including adjustments to deadlines and planning requirements for municipalities. The Energy and Technology Committee has favorably reported the bill with a vote of 22 in favor and 4 against.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
ET Joint Favorable:
File No. 422: