Bill > HB32

This bill provides school districts in New Mexico with more flexibility in school bus transportation by allowing them to replace traditional diesel buses with electric or zero-emission alternative fuel buses. Under the new provisions, the state's department of education will provide funding support for these bus replacements, offering financial assistance either when a district has obtained at least half of the funding through grants or other non-state sources, or by providing funding equivalent to a diesel bus replacement if the district lacks sufficient external funding. Additionally, the bill introduces an innovative provision that allows electric school buses to serve a secondary purpose when not transporting students: they can be used for electrical energy storage, providing grid services or helping schools reduce electrical demand and maintain emergency power. Before using an electric bus for these alternative purposes, the school district's superintendent must negotiate an agreement with a school, electric utility, or cooperative service, ensuring compliance with safety and operational codes. This legislation aims to support both environmental sustainability in school transportation and potential energy infrastructure resilience.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=32&year=25