IdahoH 08152026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET

EDUCATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the transportation support program.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Ongoing payments for 2010 busing losses

The law sets an ongoing payment based on each operation’s FY2010 loss when the state share fell from 85% to 50%. Each year, the payment equals the FY2010 amount per support unit times today’s support units (excluding home‑based/virtual), adjusted by statewide reimbursement changes minus statewide enrollment changes since FY2010. Funds must first cover pupil transportation; any extra may be used for other local needs. Special base‑year rules apply for districts that divided after FY2010 and for certain charter schools. Effective July 1, 2026.

State share and caps for school busing

The state pays 50% of most eligible pupil transportation costs from the prior year. It pays 85% for State Department of Education training and fees, and for bus depreciation and maintenance. If a program contracts out busing, the state pays the statewide average share for district‑run operations. Reimbursement cannot exceed 103% of the statewide average cost per mile or per student rider, whichever helps the operator; amounts above the cap are not reimbursed. Operators may appeal for higher limits on hardship runs that meet at least two rules: very low riders per mile, mostly unpaved miles, or over 10% of miles on a 5% slope or more; any increase is limited to the share of runs that qualify. Effective July 1, 2026.

What student transportation costs the state covers

The State Board of Education decides which transportation costs count for reimbursement. Allowable costs include bus maintenance, operation, depreciation, insurance, driver pay, employer retirement and Social Security, and some contracts that meet federal testing and cost rules. Trips for students who live 1.5 miles or more from school are covered; trips under 1.5 miles need State Board approval. Contracted K–12 trips are covered only if contract costs are no more than school‑bus costs, and approved activity trips may be covered. The state does not reimburse optional bus features beyond a “basic vehicle” (safety and disability‑related features are included). Programs must keep required records and reports, and only authorized school district or public charter programs may claim. Effective July 1, 2026.

State help for home‑based virtual schools

Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible home‑based public virtual schools get 85% reimbursement for certain prior‑year costs. Covered items include internet service (not telephone), student computers used to send school work, toll‑free phone service, and mileage for in‑person education visits at state rates. They may also claim pupil transportation costs that a district could claim. These schools are exempt from statewide per‑mile limits, but statewide per‑student‑rider rules still apply. Eligibility requires at least one average daily attendance divisor above the median for any listed category.

Emergency rules for school busing funds

If an emergency in the prior fiscal year caused a 10% or greater drop in reimbursable transportation costs, the state bases funding on the year before that to keep support stable. During the emergency, only miles for regular school attendance or for delivering food, instructional materials, or other trips that keep education going are reimbursable. Effective July 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

RabeTitle apvd - to House
Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/24/2026

House Floor Vote