This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to revise the definition of "school bus" to include vehicles used for transporting students to and from public, private, or charter schools, as well as for school-related activities. Specifically, it updates the definitions in sections 316.003, 322.01, and 1006.25 to reflect these changes, ensuring that the term encompasses a broader range of vehicles used for student transportation. The bill also makes technical changes and clarifies that the definition includes vehicles owned, operated, rented, contracted, or leased by school boards, as well as those used for prekindergarten and kindergarten programs.

Additionally, the bill reenacts various sections to incorporate the updated definition of "school bus" into existing laws related to impact fees, safety regulations, and funding for school transportation. This includes provisions for the use of discretionary sales surtaxes for school bus purchases and maintenance, as well as requirements for safety belts and other occupant protection systems in school buses. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 52 Filed: 316.003, 322.01, 1006.25