Bill > H0815

This bill amends existing Idaho law to revise provisions of the transportation support program, which helps fund the costs associated with transporting public school students. Key changes include clarifying what constitutes a "basic vehicle" for transportation, defining allowable costs for contracts with external transportation providers, and establishing specific criteria for "hardship bus runs" that may qualify for higher reimbursement rates due to factors like low student density or difficult terrain. The bill also addresses reimbursement for home-based public virtual schools, outlining eligible costs for internet, equipment, and communication services, and adjusts how certain public charter schools' transportation funding is calculated based on their operational history. Finally, it includes provisions for situations where emergencies, such as extreme weather or fires, significantly reduce transportation costs, allowing for reimbursement based on prior fiscal year data, and specifies that during such emergencies, reimbursed miles can include those for essential educational support services beyond regular student transport.