Bill > HR45

This Resolution urges the Department of Education to establish a working group to address unfairness in school bus transportation for students from low- to moderate-income families. The resolution highlights that equal educational opportunities, guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, are hindered when students lack safe and reliable transportation, leading to issues like tardiness, absenteeism, and missed meals, particularly impacting students who rely on school meals. It acknowledges that higher-income families can more easily provide transportation, creating an equity gap, and that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing school bus route shortages, especially on neighbor islands. The working group is tasked with finding solutions, including potentially offering financial incentives to attract more school bus drivers, and must report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature by early 2023.