Committee narrows $2 million transit grant to fixed‑route paratransit, sends bill to Appropriations

The House Transportation Committee amended a $2 million transit appropriation (House Bill 2254) to prioritize funding for paratransit services associated with fixed‑route public transportation systems and gave the bill a do‑pass as amended recommendation to Appropriations.

Representative Ben Koppelman, speaking to the committee, said testimony from riders and an interim study showed limits in evening and non‑standard service times for people who rely on paratransit tied to fixed routes. “About limiting the $2,000,000 … to fixed route paratransit on fixed route public transportation,” Koppelman said, “the focus is on making sure the paratransit is addressed.” He argued that concentrating the appropriation would create a policy priority for paratransit when Appropriations later considers funding levels.

Koppelman moved a technical amendment that would direct the Department of Transportation to provide grants "for associated paratransit services" to fixed‑route city transportation providers; a second was entered and the amendment passed after debate. Representative Fralick and others debated whether directing funds rather than leaving discretion to local providers best matched legislative intent; Representative Christensen said he intended to leave discretion to local agencies and planned to vote against the amendment.

Representative Cottleman later moved the committee’s do‑pass as amended recommendation and re‑referral to Appropriations. The clerk recorded a roll call of 10 yes, 1 no and 3 absent; the motion carried and the bill was re‑referred to Appropriations with the fixed‑route paratransit focus added.

Committee members discussed whether the state should use formula funding for transit instead of targeted appropriations, and whether directing funds to urban fixed‑route providers would meaningfully expand paratransit schedules. Supporters said the change would prioritize riders with the greatest need while retaining local matching and operational decisions.

The bill and amendments reflect lawmakers’ effort to pair state support with systems that provide fixed‑route transit so paratransit services can be strengthened when local systems schedule and resource that work.