The bill amends existing laws regarding the reimbursement and management of funds for student transportation vehicles in Washington State. It establishes a new provision allowing school districts to petition the superintendent of public instruction for permission to transfer depreciation payments and earned interest from fully depreciated vehicles to another fund for alternative use, particularly if the district is reducing its fleet due to changing student populations or transportation needs. The superintendent must approve the petition if the reduction is deemed appropriate based on forecasted declines in student enrollment or other relevant factors.

Additionally, the bill outlines the creation of a transportation vehicle fund for each school district, detailing the sources of funding and permissible uses of the funds. It specifies that funds can be used for purchasing pupil transportation vehicles, making major repairs, and transitioning to electric or zero-emission vehicles, among other purposes. The bill also includes a provision that allows for the transfer of funds from the transportation vehicle fund only as authorized under the new section regarding depreciation payments.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28A.160.200, 28A.160.130
Bill as passed Legislature: 28A.160.200, 28A.160.130
Session law: 28A.160.200, 28A.160.130