Tennessee Senate Bill SB0815

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Engrossed: 4/10/23
• Enrolled: 4/28/23
• Passed: 5/17/23
• Chaptered: 5/24/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 21 and Title 55, Chapter 4, relative to school buses.

Impact

The implications of SB0815 extend primarily to the registration processes for school transportation providers in Tennessee. By establishing the same fee structure between contracted buses and LEA-owned buses, the bill may alleviate financial burdens on contractors who provide transportation services to schools. This adjustment is likely to encourage more contractors to engage in such services, thereby potentially improving the availability and quality of transportation options for students. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, placing an emphasis on enhancing operational efficiency among school transport services.

Summary

Senate Bill 0815 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding school buses, specifically addressing the registration fees applicable to school buses owned by individuals or entities under contract with local education agencies (LEAs). The bill proposes that the registration fee for a single school bus owned by such a contractor be equal to the fee charged for a school bus owned directly by an LEA. This regulation intends to create parity in registration fees among contracted providers and local educational entities, facilitating more equitable treatment within the transportation sector servicing public schools.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB0815 appears to be generally positive, particularly among educational agencies and transportation contractors. Supporters of the bill believe that it fosters fairness and promotes a sense of cooperation between contracted service providers and LEAs. This positive outlook aligns with a legislative interest in ensuring that students have access to adequate transportation, thereby supporting educational equity. However, no significant opposition was noted in the voting history of the bill, which passed unanimously in the Senate with 94 votes in favor and none opposed.

Contention

Notable points of contention were absent during the discussions and voting on SB0815, indicating a consensus among legislators regarding the necessity and benefits of the proposed amendments. The clear alignment of support suggests that the adjustments being made to the registration fees for school buses owned by contractors were seen as a common-sense approach to streamline educational transportation and do not pose risks or challenges to existing regulatory frameworks.