Bill > SB2395

This bill, known as the "Hawaii Free School Bus Access for Low-income Students Act," requires the Department of Education to establish a student bus fare rate system that includes free bus passes for students whose households qualify them for free lunch or reduced price lunch under the free and reduced price lunch program, which is a federal program designed to provide meals to students from low-income families. The bill aims to address transportation barriers faced by these students, ensuring more equitable access to education by streamlining the application process for free bus passes, prioritizing eligible students, and improving communication with families about eligibility and timelines. Furthermore, the Department of Education will be required to submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing the implementation of this program, including the number of students receiving free passes, funds expended, and outreach efforts, and appropriates funds for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to support these initiatives.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2395&year=2026