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Subcommittee advances bill to codify bus-transportation rules and require parent notice
Summary
Representative Russell said HB 1818 would codify a 1998 attorney general opinion clarifying district obligations to provide transportation to all students if they provide service and would require districts to notify parents about payments in lieu of transportation; legal staff confirmed the amendment language and the bill moved to full education amid questions about route capacity and driver shortages.
Representative Russell told the committee HB 1818 would codify a 1998 attorney general opinion clarifying that school districts may opt not to provide bus transportation but, if they do, must provide it for all students assigned to that school unless prevented by road conditions or remoteness. The bill also requires that districts inform parents and guardians how to request payments in lieu of transportation when services are not provided.
Members pressed the fiscal and operational implications — including potential additional bus routes and the national shortage of bus drivers — and asked whether open-enrollment proposals could change obligations. Legal staff (Katie Robertson, legal services) confirmed the amended language requiring transportation for all zoned students unless prevented by road conditions or remoteness.
After discussion the committee voted to advance HB 1818 to full education.
