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WashingtonSB 50092025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Modifying the student transportation allocation to accommodate multiple vehicle types for transporting students.

Sponsored By: John Braun (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Schools face zero-emission vehicle funding limits

Beginning September 1, 2026, state reimbursement is limited to zero-emission buses when their total ownership cost is no higher than diesel buses. State formulas adopted by rule determine that cost comparison. A district granted an exception under the existing zero-emission vehicle law can receive reimbursement for a non-zero-emission vehicle. The restriction also covers other vehicles used instead of school buses.

Fewer licensing hurdles for student drivers

Since July 27, 2025, student vehicles seating 10 or fewer people, including the driver, are not school buses under commercial-license rules. Drivers of student vehicles classified as nonbuses are exempt from commercial-license and related endorsement requirements for that vehicle. Drivers who exclusively transport students in State Patrol-inspected nonbus school vehicles still need the appropriate vehicle license. The state superintendent must develop rules for these drivers by September 1, 2026. Washington must seek agreements with adjoining states to recognize the licensing waivers where possible.

Schools gain more student vehicle choices

Since July 27, 2025, districts can choose safe, cost-effective student vehicles, subject to state purchasing and reimbursement rules. Beginning September 1, 2026, state transportation funding calculations include all vehicle types. This includes district-owned passenger cars, with passenger counts, average distance to school, and locations served included in the calculation. Before using a car instead of a bus, the district board must consider student safety and cost.

Schools must report miles by vehicle

Beginning September 1, 2026, districts must report student-transportation miles by vehicle type for the previous school year. Reports go to the state superintendent in October, February, and May. Timely submission of required transportation information remains a condition for continued state transportation funding.

Schools get vehicle payments with limits

Beginning September 1, 2026, state vehicle reimbursement covers buses and other vehicles used instead of buses. Eligible school districts and educational service districts can buy listed vehicles from approved dealers. They can also use a lowest-price competitive bid or the state bid process. Reimbursement is based on the lowest base-vehicle quote in each vehicle category. The state does not pay for district-selected options.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • John Braun

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Adrian Cortes

    Democratic • Senate

  • Chris Gildon

    Republican • Senate

  • Curtis King

    Republican • Senate

  • Deborah Krishnadasan

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jeff Wilson

    Republican • Senate

  • Jessica Bateman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Judy Warnick

    Republican • Senate

  • Keith Wagoner

    Republican • Senate

  • Leonard Christian

    Republican • Senate

  • Lisa Wellman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Liz Lovelett

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mark Schoesler

    Republican • Senate

  • Paul Harris

    Republican • Senate

  • Perry Dozier

    Republican • Senate

  • Sharon Shewmake

    Democratic • Senate

  • Shelly Short

    Republican • Senate

  • Steve Conway

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Vandana Slatter

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 194 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 4/14/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/7/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025*.

    5/20/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 372, 2025 Laws.

    5/20/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/20/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/23/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/19/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/17/2025Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    4/17/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/14/2025Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/14/2025Senate

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

    4/14/2025Senate

  12. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/11/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/8/2025Senate

  14. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/8/2025Senate

  15. APP - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    4/8/2025Senate

  16. First reading, referred to Appropriations.

    3/9/2025Senate

  17. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/7/2025Senate

  18. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/7/2025Senate

  19. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/7/2025Senate

  20. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/7/2025Senate

  21. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/3/2025Senate

  22. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/28/2025Senate

  23. WM - Majority; do pass 1st substitute bill proposed by Early Learning & K-12 Education.

    2/27/2025Senate

  24. Referred to Ways & Means.

    2/6/2025Senate

  25. And refer to Ways & Means.

    2/5/2025Senate

Bill Text

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