Connecticut House Bill HB05409

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/17
• Refer: 1/11/17

Caption

An Act Permitting Boards Of Education To Limit School Transportation Services In Certain Circumstances.

Impact

If passed, HB 5409 would significantly impact the operational autonomy of local education boards in determining which transportation services to provide. By allowing them to choose which services to limit when state funding is unavailable, the bill seeks to relieve financial pressures that boards face due to inconsistent funding. This could result in varying levels of transportation services across different districts, depending on their individual financial situations and priorities.

Summary

House Bill 5409, introduced by Rep. Stokes, aims to amend the general statutes concerning school transportation services provided by local and regional boards of education. The bill permits these boards to limit the transportation services that they offer to students in instances where the state does not provide funding for such services. The intent of this legislation is to provide greater flexibility to school boards in managing their resources and services, based on the funds available to them.

Contention

There is potential for contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding its implications for equity in educational access. Opponents may argue that allowing local boards to limit transportation services could disproportionately affect low-income families and students who rely on public school transportation for access to education. This raises concerns about whether the bill would lead to a patchwork of services that could widen the educational gap between affluent and less affluent districts. Proponents of the bill, however, may contend that it empowers local boards to make decisions that are best suited to their financial circumstances and community needs.