Texas House Bill HB268

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to transportation services for homeless students.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to improve the educational access for homeless students by allowing school districts to allocate funds for transportation tailored to individual cases of extreme hardship. This change recognizes the importance of consistent transportation in enabling these students to attend school regularly, which is critical for their educational success and overall stability. Furthermore, the provision of reimbursement for parents or guardians who transport eligible students could alleviate some financial burdens on families in need.

Summary

House Bill 268 addresses the need for transportation services specifically for homeless students and students with special needs. The bill amends Section 42.155 of the Education Code to ensure that school districts and counties that provide special transportation services for these students can receive a state allocation based on their previous year’s cost-per-mile. This provision aims to mitigate the challenges faced by homeless students who may struggle to access educational facilities due to lack of reliable transportation.

Contention

While the bill aims to provide essential services for vulnerable student populations, discussions surrounding its funding and execution may arise. Concerns about the adequacy of state allocations to meet the transportation needs of all eligible students may be raised. Additionally, there might be differing opinions on what constitutes 'extreme hardship' and how those determinations will be made, which could lead to challenges in ensuring that the transportation services are accessible to all who need them.