Senate Bill 468 would appropriate $17 million in general funds to the State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA) to support transportation for pupils enrolled in charter schools.

Melissa Mackinnon, executive director of SPCSA, told the committee the funding was originally recommended within the pupil‑centered funding plan but was allocated as one‑time funding during budget closing. The authority plans to distribute funds via a competitive application process in line with NRS 388.3936, using a scoring rubric and awarding money to sustain existing services, fund new programs (with preference for Title I schools), and expand current routes.

Mackinnon said SPCSA has already allocated prior transportation funding during the biennium: $7 million per year was allocated previously, and the authority has spent more than $5 million to date to support transportation at 27 campuses across 23 charter holders; 87% of the participating campuses are Title I, she said. SPCSA told members it expects maintenance funding for existing routes to free up dollars that can then help newer schools buy vehicles.

Support testimony from charter‑school associations and public charter organizations highlighted reductions in chronic absenteeism and programmatic benefits to families. The committee closed the hearing; the $17 million appropriation was included in the executive budget, so the presentation did not carry a separate fiscal note at committee.

SPCSA said it will award funds competitively and will prioritize maintenance of existing services, followed by new Title I programs and expansions.