Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 396 modernizes Idaho’s school transportation laws by replacing the term “school bus” with “authorized vehicle” throughout state code, allowing greater flexibility in how school districts transport students. Under this new framework, school districts may use a broader range of vehicles—including vans, passenger cars, trucks, multi-purpose vehicles, and motor coaches—when appropriate. These changes are designed to reduce transportation costs, especially for small, rural, or special-purpose routes where large buses are inefficient or impractical.

The bill outlines new reimbursement models, cost formulas, and hardship exemptions, ensuring that charter and virtual schools are treated equitably. It establishes safety standards for all authorized vehicles, including mandatory inspections every 60 days, daily pre-trip checks, and minimum equipment and driver qualification requirements. The legislation also repeals outdated sections of code, consolidates transportation oversight under the State Department of Education, and allows local districts to make transportation decisions that best fit their students’ needs. An emergency clause ensures immediate implementation.

Reason for Rating:

House Bill 396 aligns with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s principles of local control, fiscal responsibility, and common-sense reform. By allowing school districts to use smaller and more cost-effective vehicles, the bill cuts wasteful spending while maintaining strong safety standards. It empowers local decision-makers, enhances service options for underserved students, and avoids burdensome mandates or bureaucratic expansion. These practical, efficiency-focused reforms reflect the platform’s call for smarter government and reduced regulatory rigidity. For these reasons, H0396 earns a +1 rating.