The bill introduces a new section to chapter 28A.160 RCW, establishing a transportation safety net funding mechanism for school districts that demonstrate a significant need for additional funding to transport special passengers. The superintendent of public instruction is tasked with providing these awards when a district's allowable transportation expenditures surpass the funding outlined in RCW 28A.160.150 through 28A.160.192, as well as any reimbursements from child welfare agencies. The awards are specifically limited to the excess costs incurred in serving special passengers, which include students receiving special education services, homeless students under the McKinney-Vento Act, and foster students as mandated by the Every Student Succeeds Act.

To qualify for these transportation safety net awards, school districts must report their excess costs and the services provided to special passengers that led to these costs, following statewide accounting guidelines. The bill also mandates the establishment of rules and processes for the application and awarding of these funds, with the total amount available specified in the omnibus appropriations act. Additionally, charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools are included as eligible recipients of these awards. It is important to note that the transportation safety net awards are not considered part of the state's basic education program.