This bill amends Section 33-1006 of the Idaho Code to revise the provisions regarding the Transportation Support Program for public school pupils. Key changes include the definition of allowable costs for transporting students, which now encompasses maintenance, operation, and depreciation of basic vehicles, as well as insurance and salaries of drivers. The bill specifies that costs associated with optional vehicle features are not allowable, while essential safety features and those necessary for transporting students with disabilities are included. Additionally, the state's share of the transportation support program is set at fifty percent of reimbursable costs, with an increased share of eighty-five percent for certain training and maintenance costs.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for home-based public virtual schools to claim transportation reimbursement for costs incurred in providing educational services, exempting them from statewide average cost limitations. It also outlines a process for calculating state funds lost due to previous reductions in reimbursement rates and establishes criteria for hardship bus runs that may qualify for higher reimbursement limits. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective from July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-1006