EDUCATION – Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding transportation funding for public schools.

Idaho's H 396 revises school transportation funding rules for public school districts. It establishes that state reimbursement covers 50% of most transportation costs (85% for maintenance/inspections), excludes non-essential vehicle features from reimbursement, and sets a 103% cap on district costs relative to statewide averages. The bill creates new requirements for authorized vehicles used to transport students, including safety standards and inspection rules, and adds a hardship exception for bus routes with low rider density, unpaved roads, or steep slopes. These changes directly affect school districts operating transportation services and aim to standardize funding and safety compliance for school vehicle operations.