HB22-1395 (Larson & Young/ Zenzinger & Simpson) Transportation Innovation Program
Summary
This bill addresses the competitive Transportation Innovation Grant Program. The State Board of Education will select grantees who develop and implement innovative plans to address the public school transportation shortage. Eligible applicants shall serve students from communities who are disproportionately impacted by the transportation shortage. Grantees are required to submit an annual report explaining how they used the grant money.
Position
The Children’s Campaign supports this bill. The transportation shortage has had a significant impact on students living in communities with limited access to resources, with some communities experiencing a 20-30% decrease in their bus driver workforce. This grant program will provide eligible school districts with the funds they need to provide safe and reliable transportation options or develop transit innovations and efficiency solutions for public school students, ensuring that transportation is not a barrier to accessing education.
Current Status
The bill was introduced and assigned to the House Education Committee.
