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House OKs limited advertising on school buses after safety and competition debate
Summary
The House passed HB 199 with amendments capping ads to 35% of a bus side and directing revenue for transportation needs; the measure passed 42–30 after extended debate about safety and government competition with private advertisers.
The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 14 approved House Bill 199 to allow advertising on school buses with limits and conditions after a prolonged floor debate.
Representative Jim Byrd, the sponsor, said amendments before the House reduce advertising to no more than 35% of the area beside a bus and prohibit ads on the front and back. Byrd told colleagues that UTA and others had not reported accidents attributable to vehicle-wrap advertising and that the bill requires district contracts with commercial advertisers rather than direct retail sales by districts. He said revenue generated by the advertising would be directed back into transportation needs, school safety improvements and student-walking infrastructure under a subsequent amendment.
The measure triggered sustained opposition on safety and market-competition grounds. Representative Morley and others warned that altering the appearance of school buses could reduce conspicuity and create distraction, citing examples of people reading wrapped trailers. Representative Anderson argued the policy risks government competing with private outdoor advertisers by placing districts in the market. Supporters responded that the bill is permissive — it says school districts “may” enter arrangements, and local boards would choose what is appropriate for their districts.
Representative Byrd noted a USA Today item and endorsement by the Utah School Board Association while urging passage. The amended bill passed final reading, 42 yes and 30 no, and will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
What’s next: With passage in the House, the bill moves to the Senate; local districts will need contracting policies if the law is enacted.
Representative quotes from the floor include: “There are no statistics to show the potential safety consequences of advertising on the outside of a school bus,” Byrd said, and opponents warned: “I don't think we have any compelling evidence that it's not a safety risk.”
