The bill amends Washington state law to enhance the flexibility and safety of student transportation by allowing school districts to use a variety of vehicle types for transporting students. It encourages districts to utilize safe and cost-effective vehicles, including school buses, while ensuring that transportation funding is not limited to specific vehicle types. Additionally, the bill requires each district to report the number of eligible students transported and the miles driven per vehicle type, which will assist in determining funding allocations. New definitions and categories for student transportation vehicles are established, and the superintendent of public instruction is tasked with developing rules for drivers of non-bus vehicles, ensuring they have the appropriate licenses without necessarily needing a commercial driver's license.

Moreover, the bill revises existing laws regarding commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and introduces new definitions and exceptions for specific vehicle operations. It clarifies terms such as "state," "substance abuse professional," and "collector truck," while adding a new category for "collector truck operator." The legislation expands exceptions for individuals operating commercial motor vehicles without a CDL, including provisions for collector truck operators and those driving student transportation vehicles other than school buses. The Department of Motor Vehicles is also mandated to pursue reciprocity agreements with neighboring states to facilitate the application of these waivers. The new provisions are set to take effect on September 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.160.150, 28A.160.170, 28A.160.180, 28A.160.195, 28A.160.210
Substitute Bill: 28A.160.150, 28A.160.170, 28A.160.180, 28A.160.195, 28A.160.210, 46.25.010, 46.25.050
Engrossed Substitute: 28A.160.150, 28A.160.170, 28A.160.180, 28A.160.195, 28A.160.210, 46.25.010, 46.25.050
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28A.160.150, 28A.160.170, 28A.160.180, 28A.160.195, 28A.160.210, 46.25.010, 46.25.050
Session Law: 28A.160.150, 28A.160.170, 28A.160.180, 28A.160.195, 28A.160.210, 46.25.010, 46.25.050