Bill > SB1198

This bill addresses critical issues in Hawaii's student transportation system by designating student transportation as critical infrastructure and a critical service for public education. The legislation requires school bus contracts to include comprehensive provisions that enhance accountability and prevent service disruptions. Specifically, contractors must now submit annual contingency plans, performance metrics, and emergency communication protocols, and face penalties for noncompliance. The bill mandates that contractors provide detailed advance notice of potential service issues, such as driver shortages or fleet capacity problems, and require the Department of Education to communicate these changes to families within five business days. Contractors must also provide weekly updates before the school year starts and establish real-time communication protocols for unexpected service interruptions. Additionally, the bill requires annual performance audits and reports to the legislature, transforming the current reactive approach to student transportation into a more proactive and reliable system. This change comes in response to significant recent disruptions, such as the suspension of 147 bus routes affecting nearly 3,730 students at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, which highlighted the need for more robust oversight and planning in school transportation services.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1198&year=2026