Bill > HB861

This bill addresses student transportation challenges in Hawaii by designating student transportation as critical infrastructure and a critical service for the public education system. The legislation mandates that school bus contracts between the State and transportation contractors must include comprehensive provisions to improve service reliability and accountability. These new contract requirements include submitting detailed annual contingency plans, establishing performance metrics for driver availability and fleet capacity, implementing penalties for noncompliance, and creating emergency communication protocols. Specifically, contractors must now notify the Department of Education at least 30 days before the school year begins about potential service disruptions, provide weekly updates during that period, and ensure timely communication with families about any transportation changes. The bill also requires annual performance audits and reports to be submitted to the legislature, aiming to prevent significant service interruptions like those experienced in the 2024-2025 school year when 147 bus routes were suspended, affecting nearly 3,730 students. By changing existing law, the bill shifts from optional to mandatory transportation provisions and introduces more proactive management of student transportation services.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=861&year=2026