SENATE FLOOR VERSION - SB1620 SFLR Page 1 (Bold face denotes Committee Amendments) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SENATE FLOOR VERSION February 15, 2022 SENATE BILL NO. 1620 By: Pugh An Act relating to school transportation; amend ing 70 O.S. 2021, Section 9-101, which relates to school district provision of transportation; updating references; removing language restricting transportation within certain boundaries; removing language prohibiting a receiving school district from crossing certain boundaries; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3-141, which relates to charter school provision of transportation; removing language restricting transportation within certain boundaries; updating reference; repealing 70 O.S. 2021, Section 9-105, which relates to school district transportation boundaries; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency . BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 20 21, Section 9-101, is amended to read as follows: Section 9-101. A. Any A school district may provide transportation for any a child who is participating in any a prekindergarten or early childhood program operated by the school district or any a child who is participating in any a Head Start program offered within the school district. B. Upon a request for a student transfer pursuant to th e provisions of the Education Open Transfer Act, if the parent or SENATE FLOOR VERSION - SB1620 SFLR Page 2 (Bold face denotes Committee Amendments) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 legal guardian of the student requests that the receiving district provide transportation for the student, and if the receiving district grants the transfer, then the receiving district may provide such transportation only within the boundaries of the receiving school district. A re ceiving school district shall not cross school district boundaries to transpor t a kindergarten through eighth-grade student transferred pursuant to the Education Open Transfer Act except as otherwise authorized in Section 9 -105 of this title. C. Any A school district may provide transportation for each student who should attend any enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school when, and only when, transporta tion is necessary for accomplishment of one of the following purposes: 1. To provide adequate educational facilities and opportunities which otherwise would not be available , which shall include those purposes provided in the Education Open Transfer Act; and 2. To transport students whose homes are more than a reasonable walking distance, as defi ned by regulations of the State Board of Education, from the school attended by such student. Provided, that no state funds shall be paid for the transportation of a student whose residence is within one and one -half (1 1/2) miles from the school attended by such student. SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3-141, is amended to read as follows: SENATE FLOOR VERSION - SB1620 SFLR Page 3 (Bold face denotes Committee Amendments) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Section 3-141. A. Transportation s hall be provided by the charter school in accordance with Sections 9 -101 through 9-118 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes and only within the transportation boundaries of the school district in which the c harter school is located this title. B. A charter school shall provide the parent or legal guardian information regarding transportation at the time the student enrolls in the charter school. SECTION 3. REPEALER 70 O.S. 2021, Section 9-105, is hereby repealed. SECTION 4. This act shall become effective July 1, 2022. SECTION 5. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health , or safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof thi s act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval. COMMITTEE REPORT BY: COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION February 15, 2022 - DO PASS