The bill aims to transition all school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools in Washington to zero emission school buses by September 1, 2035. It establishes a zero emission school bus grant program to facilitate this transition, allowing eligible institutions to receive funding for replacing fossil fuel-powered buses with zero emission alternatives. The bill defines "zero emission" as vehicles that emit no exhaust gases other than water vapor and outlines the eligibility criteria for grants, which include the purchase of zero emission buses and the installation of necessary charging infrastructure. The application process for grants will prioritize projects that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve health equity in underserved communities.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to ensure that any school buses purchased from the transportation vehicle fund must meet the zero emission definition starting in 2035. It also mandates that the superintendent of public instruction develop competitive specifications for school bus categories that will only include zero emission buses once fossil fuel bus pricing is no longer necessary for depreciation calculations. The bill reinforces the commitment to environmental sustainability and public health by integrating zero emission requirements into the operational frameworks of charter and state-tribal education compact schools.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.160.130, 28A.160.195, 28A.160.205