HB 288: RELATING TO SCHOOL BUS SERVICES.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SCHOOL BUS SERVICES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that there is an ongoing historical bus driver shortage resulting in the elimination of nearly eighty bus routes across the State.  Amid driver shortage, the department of education suspended a total of one hundred and eight routes in Central Oahu and East Hawaii Island.  The suspension affected approximately 3,720 students.  In response, the governor expedited the approval of an emergency proclamation to temporarily relax rules around the types of vehicles that can be used to safely transport students to and from school, and regulations around the required driver certifications.  The proclamation was signed on August 2, 2024, and will expire on March 25, 2025.  It is essential for the governor's emergency proclamation to be codified to allow for greater flexibility of school buses services and access for all students.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Authorize the department of education to create a staggered school hours program to obtain available school bus services;

     (2)  Authorize the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services, provided certain conditions are met;

     (3)  Appropriate funds to the department of education for the purchase of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus drivers; and

     (4)  Appropriate funds to the department of education to incentivize obtaining a commercial driver's license, to increase the number of persons eligible to become school bus drivers.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-     School bus services; staggered school hours program.  The department may institute a staggered school hours program in public schools to obtain available school bus services."

     SECTION 3.  Section 286-102, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

     "(b)  A person operating the following category or combination of categories of motor vehicles shall be examined as provided in section 286-108 and duly licensed by the examiner of drivers:

     (1)  Mopeds;

     (2)  Motorcycles, except for autocycles as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of "motorcycle" in section 286-2, and motor scooters;

     (3)  Passenger cars of any gross vehicle weight rating, buses designed to transport fifteen or fewer occupants, trucks and vans having a gross vehicle weight rating of eighteen thousand pounds or less, and autocycles as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of "motorcycle" in section 286-2; and

     (4)  All of the motor vehicles in category (3) and any vehicle that is not a commercial motor vehicle.

     A school bus, small bus, motorcoach, or van operator shall be properly licensed to operate the category of vehicles that the operator operates as a school bus, small bus, motorcoach, or van and shall comply with the standards of the department of transportation as provided by rules adopted pursuant to section 286-181."

     SECTION 4.  Section 286-181, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:

     1.  By amending subsections (b) through (e) to read:

     "(b)  The department of transportation shall grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school vehicles, including motorcoaches, small buses, and vans, when the department finds that compliance with this section is:

     (1)  Impractical due to the unavailability of school vehicles; or

(2)  Impractical due to economic factors.

No exemption shall be granted for the qualifications of individuals driving a bus as defined in section 286-2 and such individuals shall meet school vehicle driver qualifications.

     (c)  The exemptions in subsection (b) shall be granted:

     (1)  To the department of education to administer to public schools based on criteria developed by the departments of transportation and education; provided that the department of education shall submit a report to the department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent to which these exemptions were utilized;

     (2)  To a board of independent schools, which is registered with the department of commerce and consumer affairs, to administer to private schools utilizing criteria developed by the departments of transportation and education; provided that the board shall submit a report to the department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent to which these exemptions were utilized;

     (3)  [Only for] For the transport of pupils to and from school functions or school-related activities [but not], for transportation to and from a school[;], and for transportation to and from designated drop off locations and pick up locations established by the department of education, in consultation with the department of transportation;

     (4)  Only when each pupil being transported has obtained a written statement from the pupil's parent or legal guardian waiving the State's liability; and

     (5)  In accordance with the procedures and criteria established by rules of the department of transportation.

     (d)  [The] Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department of transportation may grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school vehicles [for the transportation of students requiring special education and services], including the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans, for school bus services when the department of transportation finds that compliance with this section is impossible or impractical; provided that an adult staff chaperone provided by the department of education escorts students being transported between designated off-campus and designated on-campus locations; provided further that no exemption shall be granted for the qualifications of individuals driving a bus as defined in section 286-2 and such individuals shall meet school vehicle driver qualifications[.]; provided further that the use of vehicles other than school vehicles shall meet any applicable state and federal regulations.

     (e)  The department of transportation shall adopt safety rules and standards relating to school vehicles, equipment, and drivers, including but not limited to:

     (1)  School vehicle and school vehicle equipment design, construction, and identification;

     (2)  School vehicle driver qualification and training as required by law;

     (3)  School vehicle operation;

     (4)  School vehicle maintenance and maintenance records;

     (5)  Special school vehicle safety inspections;

     (6)  Criteria for passenger loading and unloading safety areas; and

     (7)  Procedures and criteria for the granting of exemptions permitted under subsections (b), (c), and (d);

provided that the rules and standards shall permit the use of small buses [or], vans [weighing less than ten thousand pounds], or motorcoaches for the transportation of pupils of a public or private day care center, child care facility, headstart program, [and] preschool, kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school, including any special school for children in the State with an accompanying adult staff chaperone escort provided by the department of education for students transported between designated locations off-campus and designated locations on‑campus or of school pupils and school staffs to and from school-related activities."

     2.  By amending subsection (i) to read:

     "(i)  As used in subsection (b), a school vehicle is unavailable when it:

     (1)  Is being used during a specific time for contracted school-related transportation to and from school or related destinations;

     (2)  Fails that day's inspection and has not been repaired;

     (3)  Is already in transportation service; or

     (4)  Is committed for transportation service[; or

     (5)  Does not meet the requests of a school for a motorcoach with undercarriage storage compartments and public address system; provided that the use of the motorcoach shall be used solely for the transportation of middle, intermediate, or high school student groups to and from school-related events or activities.  As used in this paragraph, "motorcoach" means a vehicle that carries more than twenty-five passengers, has a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 26,000 pounds, and is no more than fifteen years old]."

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of education to purchase motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of education to incentivize obtaining a commercial driver's license.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 8.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOT; DOE; School Bus Services; Staggered School Hours; Appropriation

Description:

Authorizes the Department of Education to use alternative vehicles for student transportation under certain conditions.  Allows the Department of Education to institute a staggered school hours program in public schools.  Appropriates funds for the purchase of alternative vehicles and individuals to obtain CDL licensure.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to school bus services.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that this year reported a historical bus driver shortage resulting in the elimination of nearly eighty bus routes across the State.  Amid driver shortage, the department of education suspended a total of one hundred and eight routes in Central Oahu and East Hawaii Island.  The suspension affected approximately 3,720 students.  In response, Governor Green expedited the approval of an emergency proclamation to temporarily relax rules around the types of vehicles that can be used to safely transport students to and from school, and regulations around the required driver certifications.  The proclamation was signed on August 2, 2024, and will expire on January 26, 2025.  It is essential for the governor's emergency proclamation to be codified to allow for greater flexibility of school buses services and access for all students.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Authorize the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services, provided certain conditions are met;

     (2)  Authorize the department of education to create a staggered school start time program to mitigate the school bus driver shortage to increase the availability of student transportation for the 2025-2026 school year;

     (3)  Appropriate funds to the department of education for the purchase of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus drivers; and

     (4)  Appropriate funds to the department of education to incentivize obtaining a commercial driver's license, to increase the number of persons eligible to become school bus divers.

     SECTION 2.  Section 286-102, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

     "(b)  A person operating the following category or combination of categories of motor vehicles shall be examined as provided in section 286-108 and duly licensed by the examiner of drivers:

     (1)  Mopeds;

     (2)  Motorcycles, except for autocycles as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of "motorcycle" in section 286-2, and motor scooters;

     (3)  Passenger cars of any gross vehicle weight rating, buses designed to transport fifteen or fewer occupants, trucks and vans having a gross vehicle weight rating of eighteen thousand pounds or less, and autocycles as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of "motorcycle" in section 286-2; and

     (4)  All of the motor vehicles in category (3) and any vehicle that is not a commercial motor vehicle.

     A school bus, small bus, motorcoach, or van operator shall be properly licensed to operate the category of vehicles that the operator operates as a school bus, small bus, motorcoach, or van and shall comply with the standards of the department of transportation as provided by rules adopted pursuant to section 286-181."

     SECTION 3.  Section 286-181, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:

     1.  By amending subsections (b) through (e) to read:

     "(b)  The department of transportation shall grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school vehicles, including motorcoaches, small buses, and vans, when the department finds that compliance with this section is:

     (1)  Impractical due to the unavailability of school vehicles; or

(2)  Impractical due to economic factors.

No exemption shall be granted for the qualifications of individuals driving a bus as defined in section 286-2 and such individuals shall meet school vehicle driver qualifications.

     (c)  The exemptions in subsection (b) shall be granted:

     (1)  To the department of education to administer to public schools based on criteria developed by the departments of transportation and education; provided that the department of education shall submit a report to the department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent to which these exemptions were utilized;

     (2)  To a board of independent schools, which is registered with the department of commerce and consumer affairs, to administer to private schools utilizing criteria developed by the departments of transportation and education; provided that the board shall submit a report to the department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent to which these exemptions were utilized;

     (3)  [Only for] For the transport of pupils to and from school functions or school-related activities [but not], for transportation to and from a school[;], and for transportation to and from designated drop off locations and pick up locations established by the department of education, in consultation with the department of transportation;

     (4)  Only when each pupil being transported has obtained a written statement from the pupil's parent or legal guardian waiving the State's liability; and

     (5)  In accordance with the procedures and criteria established by rules of the department of transportation.

     (d)  [The] Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department of transportation may grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school vehicles [for the transportation of students requiring special education and services], including the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans, for school bus services when the department of transportation finds that compliance with this section is impossible or impractical; provided that an adult staff chaperone provided by the department of education escorts students being transported between designated off-campus and designated on-campus locations; provided further that no exemption shall be granted for the qualifications of individuals driving a bus as defined in section 286-2 and such individuals shall meet school vehicle driver qualifications[.]; provided further that the use of vehicles other than school vehicles shall meet any applicable state and federal regulations.

     (e)  The department of transportation shall adopt safety rules and standards relating to school vehicles, equipment, and drivers, including but not limited to:

     (1)  School vehicle and school vehicle equipment design, construction, and identification;

     (2)  School vehicle driver qualification and training as required by law;

     (3)  School vehicle operation;

     (4)  School vehicle maintenance and maintenance records;

     (5)  Special school vehicle safety inspections;

(6)  Criteria for passenger loading and unloading safety areas; and

     (7)  Procedures and criteria for the granting of exemptions permitted under subsections (b), (c), and (d); provided that the rules and standards shall permit the use of small buses [or], vans [weighing less than ten thousand pounds], or motorcoaches for the transportation of pupils of a public or private day care center, child care facility, headstart program, [and] preschool, kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school, including any special school for children in the State with an accompanying adult staff chaperone escort provided by the department of education for students transported between designated locations off-campus and designated locations on‑campus or of school pupils and school staffs to and from school-related activities."

     2.  By amending subsection (i) to read:

     "(i)  As used in subsection (b), a school vehicle is unavailable when it:

     (1)  Is being used during a specific time for contracted school-related transportation to and from school or related destinations;

     (2)  Fails that day's inspection and has not been repaired;

     (3)  Is already in transportation service; or

     (4)  Is committed for transportation service[; or

     (5)  Does not meet the requests of a school for a motorcoach with undercarriage storage compartments and public address system; provided that the use of the motorcoach shall be used solely for the transportation of middle, intermediate, or high school student groups to and from school-related events or activities.  As used in this paragraph, "motorcoach" means a vehicle that carries more than twenty-five passengers, has a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 26,000 pounds, and is no more than fifteen years old]."

     SECTION 4.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-    Staggered school start time program.  The department of education may institute a staggered school start time program in the state public school system to mitigate the school bus driver shortage to accommodate the 2025-2026 school year."

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $            or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the purchasing of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $            or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of education to incentivize obtaining a commercial driver's license.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 8.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

DOT; DOE; School Bus Services; Staggered Start Times; Minority Caucus Package

Description:

Authorizes the Department of Education to use alternative vehicles for student transportation under certain conditions and appropriates funds for the purchase of alternative vehicles and individuals to obtain CDL licensure.  Allows Department schools to initiate staggered start times.  Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  568

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 288

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 288 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL BUS SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Authorize the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services, provided certain conditions are met;

     (2)  Authorize the Department of Education to create a staggered school start time program to mitigate the school bus driver shortage and increase the availability of student transportation for the 2025-2026 school year; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds to the Department of Education:

          (A)  For the purchase of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus drivers; and

          (B)  To incentivize obtaining a commercial driver's license to increase the number of persons eligible to become school bus drivers.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Education Caucus; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization; and five individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education and Department of the Attorney General.

     Your Committee finds that the State is facing a severe bus driver shortage, resulting in the elimination of nearly eighty bus routes across the State.  In response, the Governor issued an emergency proclamation to temporarily relax rules around the types of vehicles that can be used to safely transport students to and from school and around required driver certifications.  Your Committee believes that codifying the Governor's emergency proclamation will allow for greater flexibility of school buses services and provide access for all students.  Your Committee further finds that establishing a staggered school hours program will help mitigate the school bus driver shortage.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Authorizing the Department of Education to institute a staggered school hours program, rather than a staggered school start time program, in public schools to help make school bus services more available to students;

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 288, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 288, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,