Bill > HB1248

This bill amends the existing law on pupil transportation services in Washington. The key provisions are: 1. It requires school districts to engage in an open competitive process to award pupil transportation services contracts at least once every five years, with an option to renew, extend, or terminate the contract. 2. For any new, renewed, or extended pupil transportation services contract with a private nongovernmental entity, the entity must provide its employees who choose to opt in with employer health benefits contributions and employer pension contributions equivalent to those provided to school district employees. 3. It establishes a supplemental transportation allocation program, where the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction will reimburse school districts for the increased costs directly attributable to the new employee benefits requirements, subject to appropriation. The bill aims to encourage the retention of school bus drivers by ensuring they receive comparable benefits to those provided to school district employees.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1248&Year=2023&Initiative=false