HCS HB 425 -- STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

SPONSOR:  Cunningham, 86 (Pearce)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Elementary
and Secondary Education by a vote of 10 to 2.

This substitute specifies the conditions under which it is
permissible for a public school district to provide
transportation to resident students who do not attend the
district's public schools.  If all public school students are
accommodated, transportation can be accomplished without the use
of state or additional local funds or capital expense, and the
parent agrees to pay the actual cost of transporting the student,
the local school board may then provide the transportation.  The
substitute also specifies how to determine the cost and the
payment requirements.  Any district providing this transportation
must develop rules to address the seating of non-public school
students and the development of bus routes.  Local school boards
may establish additional rules for eligibility and are allowed to
use their buses for purposes they consider appropriate.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that giving schools the flexibility
to earn a little money will help both taxpayers and students.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Pearce.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it is difficult to
develop a policy that will not violate constitutional
prohibitions; also disciplinary and liability issues are
concerns.

Testifying against the bill was Missouri National Education
Association.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:19 am