New Hampshire House Bill HB651

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23
• Report DNP: 11/17/23
• Report Pass: 11/17/23

Caption

Authorizing the department of education and local school districts to contract with transportation network companies to provide school transportation services.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws by adding a new section to RSA 376-A, which governs transportation network operations. It specifically allows for school districts to define additional contract requirements, which implies an extension of local control over transportation planning while ensuring that safety regulations of TNC drivers are adhered to. The bill mandates that TNCs provide annual safety reports to the department, ensuring accountability and oversight in this newly established contract relationship.

Summary

House Bill 651 (HB651) proposes to authorize the state department of education and local school districts to contract with transportation network companies (TNCs) to facilitate school transportation services for students. This bill creates a framework whereby local educational agencies can engage TNCs to transport students to and from school or school-related events, thus potentially expanding transportation options for districts facing logistical challenges in providing traditional school bus services.

Contention

Discussion regarding HB651 highlights notable points of contention. Opponents may voice concerns about the safety and reliability of using TNCs for school-related transportation, particularly in rural areas where network availability may be limited. Additionally, there could be worries regarding parents' ability to opt-out, which is outlined in the bill as requiring notice to parents or guardians, thus addressing potential parental concerns over their child riding in vehicles operated by TNCs. These discussions may weigh the benefits of flexible transportation solutions against traditional service reliability and safety standards.