This bill mandates that boards of education award transportation contracts for students with disabilities to the most appropriate bidder rather than the lowest responsible bidder, as is currently required by state law. Specifically, it allows boards to consider various factors, including the price and the outcomes of a required transportation meeting, when determining the most suitable vendor for providing transportation services to students with special needs.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that before awarding such contracts, boards of education must hold a transportation meeting involving the student's parent or guardian, the bidding vendor, the student's case manager, and school district representatives. This meeting aims to discuss the student's transportation needs and ensure that the selected vendor can meet the requirements outlined in the student's individualized education program. The board is prohibited from awarding the contract to any vendor that cannot demonstrate the ability to adequately fulfill these transportation services.