The bill amends existing laws regarding reimbursement payments for school districts that replace student transportation vehicles. It establishes a reimbursement schedule that compensates districts based on the category and anticipated lifetime of the vehicles, as well as the state reimbursement rate adjusted for inflation. Notably, the bill removes the previous stipulation that only vehicles purchased after September 1, 1982, were eligible for reimbursement. New provisions require that if a district receives any local, state, or federal grants or rebates for vehicle replacement, the superintendent must reduce the district's reimbursement accordingly to prevent duplicative funding. Additionally, reimbursements will be deposited into a separate transportation vehicle fund for each district.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that school districts submit reports three times a year detailing the number of eligible students transported, the miles driven, and any grants received for vehicle replacement. It emphasizes the need for districts to maintain their transportation equipment properly and outlines penalties for failure to adhere to maintenance standards. The superintendent is also tasked with developing a depreciation schedule for districts contracting with private carriers for student transportation, ensuring that the financial aspects of transportation services are transparent and well-documented.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.160.200, 28A.160.170