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House passes bill narrowing state reimbursements for school transportation, bars payments for virtual students
Summary
The Idaho House passed House Bill 3-96 on third reading after debate over funding equity and safety for nontraditional student transport. The measure clarifies allowable vehicles and removes reimbursement for virtual students; it passed the House and will be transmitted to the Senate.
House Bill 3-96, a bill that revises state reimbursement rules for school transportation and defines authorized vehicles for student transport, passed the Idaho House on third reading Wednesday.
The bill’s sponsor told the House the measure updates language to call certain providers “authorized transportation operations,” excludes virtual students from state transportation reimbursement and allows school districts and charter schools to seek reimbursement for use of smaller vehicles (with safety inspection and maintenance requirements). That version passed the House and will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
Proponents argued the change fixes a perceived reimbursement mismatch: districts were reportedly receiving state funds for students who are not riding district buses. The sponsor said the bill adds a sentence to prevent reimbursement for virtual students and clarifies which vehicles may be used for limited or specialized student transport, noting those vehicles often have seat belts and may be safer for small groups.
Opponents raised two main concerns on the floor. One representative said the bill’s funding formula is uneven, noting his district receives about 61% of needed transportation funding while others are funded at a higher rate; he urged a no vote on that basis. He also said smaller “short buses” have design features and stop-arms that increase safety and questioned whether the new categories preserve equivalent protections.
Another member who spoke in favor stressed local control for districts, saying the bill right-sizes transportation options and allows local elected officials to decide whether to adopt the broader vehicle authorization.
After closing debate, the House clerk recorded the vote. The roll call was announced as a majority in favor: 62 yes, 16 no, 2 absent/excused. The House approved the bill; there was no correction to the title and the measure will be transferred to the Senate.
Votes at a glance: House Bill 3-96 — House passage, 62-16 (2 absent/excused).
