The bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code concerning the transportation support program for public school pupils, focusing on the definition and reimbursement of transportation costs. It replaces references to "school districts" with "authorized transportation" and assigns the state board of education the responsibility for determining allowable costs related to pupil transportation, which includes vehicle maintenance, operation, depreciation, and driver salaries. The bill also introduces a new section that defines "authorized vehicles" for pupil transportation, which encompasses a range of vehicles such as motor coaches and multifunction school activity buses, while repealing an existing section related to school buses.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the reimbursement structure for transportation costs, ensuring that the state's share is based on expenses incurred by authorized transportation operations. It allows for appeals regarding reimbursement limits for hardship bus runs and clarifies that "authorized transportation operation" includes both school district and public charter school programs. Additionally, it permits home-based public virtual schools to claim transportation reimbursement and outlines the calculation of state funds lost due to changes in reimbursement rates. The bill aims to improve the safety and efficiency of pupil transportation while ensuring equitable access to services across Idaho, with changes set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-1006, 33-1501, 33-1504, 33-1506, 33-1509