BILL REQ. #:  S-3793.1 

Read first time 01/09/2006.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to changing the state formula for funding allocations for pupil transportation; and amending RCW 28A.160.150, 28A.160.160, and 28A.160.180.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 28A.160.150 and 1996 c 279 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     Funds allocated for transportation costs shall be in addition to the basic education allocation. The distribution formula developed in RCW 28A.160.150 through 28A.160.180 shall be for allocation purposes only and shall not be construed as mandating specific levels of pupil transportation services by local districts. Operating costs as determined under RCW 28A.160.150 through 28A.160.180 shall be funded at one hundred percent or as close thereto as reasonably possible for transportation of an eligible student to and from school as defined in RCW 28A.160.160(3). ((In addition, funding shall be provided for transportation services for students living within one radius mile from school as determined under RCW 28A.160.180(2).))

Sec. 2   RCW 28A.160.160 and 1996 c 279 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     For purposes of RCW 28A.160.150 through 28A.160.190, except where the context shall clearly indicate otherwise, the following definitions apply:
     (1) "Eligible student" means any student served by the transportation program of a school district or compensated for individual transportation arrangements authorized by RCW 28A.160.030 ((whose route stop is more than one radius mile from the student's school, except if the student to be transported is disabled under RCW 28A.155.020 and is either not ambulatory or not capable of protecting his or her own welfare while traveling to or from the school or agency where special education services are provided, in which case no mileage distance restriction applies)).
     (2) "Superintendent" means the superintendent of public instruction.
     (3) "To and from school" means the transportation of students for the following purposes:
     (a) Transportation to and from route stops and schools;
     (b) Transportation to and from schools pursuant to an interdistrict agreement pursuant to RCW 28A.335.160;
     (c) Transportation of students between schools and learning centers for instruction specifically required by statute; and
     (d) Transportation of students with disabilities to and from schools and agencies for special education services.
     Extended day transportation shall not be considered part of transportation of students "to and from school" for the purposes of chapter 61, Laws of 1983 1st ex. sess.
     (((4) "Transportation services" for students living within one radius mile from school means school transportation services including the use of buses, funding of crossing guards, and matching funds for local and state transportation projects intended to mitigate hazardous walking conditions. Priority for transportation services shall be given to students in grades kindergarten through five.))

Sec. 3   RCW 28A.160.180 and 1996 c 279 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     Each district's annual student transportation allocation shall be based on differential rates determined by the superintendent of public instruction in the following manner:
     (1) The superintendent shall annually calculate a standard student mile allocation rate for determining the transportation allocation for those services provided for in RCW 28A.160.150. "Standard student mile allocation rate," as used in this chapter, means the per mile allocation rate for transporting an eligible student. Beginning with the 2007-08 school year, the standard student mile shall be calculated for each district using a global positioning system or other similar technology that enables an allocation that matches actual transportation distances. The standard student mile allocation rate may be adjusted to include such additional differential factors as ((distance;)) restricted passenger load; circumstances that require use of special types of transportation vehicles; student with disabilities load; and small fleet maintenance.
     (2) ((For transportation services for students living within one radius mile from school, the allocation shall be based on the number of students in grades kindergarten through five living within one radius mile as specified in the biennial appropriations act.
     (3))) The superintendent of public instruction shall annually calculate allocation rate(s), which shall include vehicle amortization, for determining the transportation allocation for transporting students in district-owned passenger cars, as defined in RCW 46.04.382, pursuant to RCW 28A.160.010 for services provided for in RCW 28A.160.150 if a school district deems it advisable to use such vehicles after the school district board of directors has considered the safety of the students being transported as well as the economy of utilizing a district-owned passenger car in lieu of a school bus.
      (((4))) (3) Prior to June 1st of each year the superintendent shall submit to the office of financial management, and the committees on education and ways and means of the senate and house of representatives a report outlining the methodology and rationale used in determining the allocation rates to be used the following year.