Bill

Bill > SB2290


MS SB2290

MS SB2290
Public schools; revise provisions concerning transportation of students.


summary

Introduced
01/19/2026
In Committee
01/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Amend Section 37-41-3, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide That A School Board May Provide Transportation For A Student Living Less Than One Mile From The School When A Demonstrable Danger Exists To The Safety Of The Child Walking To School; To Amend Section 37-41-13, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform, And To Provide That Temporary Or Emergency Transportation May Also Be Provided For Students Who Do Not Normally Qualify, When An Imminent Or Newly Identified Threat To Student Safety Is Documented; To Amend Section 37-41-27, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Allow That School Boards To Enter Into Agreements With Local Emergency Management Officials, Law Enforcement, Or Other Agencies To Make School Buses Available For Use In Declared Emergencies, Natural Disasters, Or Other Public Safety Needs, Provided That Such Use Does Not Interfere With The Transportation Of Students To And From School; To Provide That Vehicles Designed To Transport 10 To 15 Passengers Must, When Transporting Students, Meet Federal School Bus Safety Standards; To Specify That The Operation Of Such A Vehicle Does Not Require A Commercial Driver's License, Provided The Vehicle Is Not Designed Or Used To Transport 16 Or More Passengers, Including The Driver; To Amend Section 37-41-47, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide That School Bus Drivers, When Transporting Students On Trips Other Than Regular Routes To And From School, Shall Not Drive At A Speed Greater Than The Posted Speed Limit, But In No Event Above 65 Miles Per Hour; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill expands the circumstances under which school districts in Mississippi can provide transportation for students. It allows school boards to offer transportation to students living less than one mile from school if there's a demonstrable danger to their safety while walking, such as crossing busy roads, areas with high crime, or industrial zones. The bill also permits temporary or emergency transportation for students who don't normally qualify if there's a documented, immediate threat to their safety. Furthermore, school boards can now enter into agreements with local emergency management, law enforcement, or other agencies to make school buses available for use during declared emergencies or natural disasters, as long as it doesn't disrupt regular student transportation. For vehicles designed to carry 10 to 15 passengers, the bill mandates they must meet federal school bus safety standards when transporting students, but operating such vehicles for student transport will not require a commercial driver's license if they are not designed to carry 16 or more passengers. Finally, school bus drivers on trips other than regular routes to and from school will be prohibited from exceeding the posted speed limit, with an absolute maximum speed of 65 miles per hour.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...