Bill > HB861

This bill addresses significant challenges in Hawaii's student transportation system by designating student transportation as critical infrastructure and a critical service for public education. The legislation aims to strengthen school bus contracts by requiring comprehensive provisions that proactively prevent service disruptions. Specifically, the bill mandates that contracts include detailed contingency plans, performance metrics, and accountability requirements such as advance notification of potential driver shortages or fleet capacity issues, emergency communication protocols, and mechanisms for real-time updates to families about transportation changes. Contractors will now be required to submit annual performance reports, face potential penalties for non-compliance (including contract termination), and provide weekly updates before the school year begins about their service readiness. The bill was prompted by recent significant service 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 systemic weaknesses in the current transportation system. By implementing these more rigorous standards, the legislation seeks to enhance the reliability of student transportation, ensure equitable access to education, and restore public confidence in the state's school transportation services.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=861&year=2025