The bill amends Section 22-8-27 NMSA 1978 to provide school districts with the option to replace traditional school buses with electric or zero-emission alternative fuel buses. It establishes a systematic program for the replacement of school buses on a twelve-year cycle, allowing districts to petition for additional buses or early replacements under exceptional circumstances. The bill also mandates that if a school district opts for an electric or zero-emission bus, the state department will provide funding based on whether the district has secured grants or non-state funding for at least half of the bus's cost.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the use of electric school buses as electrical energy storage when not in use for student transportation. This allows the buses to provide grid services or reduce electrical demand for schools during emergencies. The superintendent of the school district must negotiate agreements with relevant parties to ensure compliance with safety requirements and to establish compensation for the use of the buses' bidirectional charging capabilities.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-8-27