School boards would weigh certain disabled students’ needs when choosing transport providers

School boards would award covered transportation contracts to the provider whose bid best fits the student and the board. These contracts cover students with disabilities counted in the state’s P2 special transportation group. The bid must meet the board’s request for bids. Boards would weigh price, the transportation meeting’s outcome, and other factors. Other transportation bidding rules would still apply. This rule would take effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.

School boards would arrange a meeting before awarding a covered transportation contract. The meeting covers contracts for students with disabilities counted in the state’s P2 special transportation group. A parent or guardian, bidding providers, the student’s case manager, and district representatives would discuss the student’s transportation needs. Boards could not choose a provider who fails to show it can provide transportation in line with the student’s special education plan. Boards would arrange the meeting when they first advertise the contract and hold it before awarding the contract. This rule would take effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.