Bill > S2683

This bill establishes a new regulatory framework for school transportation pricing, specifically targeting contracts involving special education students, out-of-district students, and students covered by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The bill creates a 15-member School Transportation Commission within the education department, composed of representatives from the department, school committees, transportation providers, and advocacy groups focused on foster care and homeless students. The commission will develop a pricing structure with a daily price cap for transportation contracts, taking into account factors like number of students, miles traveled, and prevailing wage rates. The commission will have the authority to promulgate regulations to improve transportation services for vulnerable student populations, including foster care, homeless, and migrant students. Additionally, the commission will conduct annual reviews of transportation contract compliance, with contracts above a certain financial threshold subject to direct review and approval, while others will be monitored through compliance audits. The commission is also required to annually assess the impact of the transportation pricing structure on educational experiences and outcomes, with the department using these assessments to make necessary adjustments to ensure an effective and equitable transportation system.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2683