HB 1019 creates a grant program and dedicated fund to help Maryland school districts transition from diesel school buses to either propane-powered or zero-emission buses. The program provides grants to cover the extra costs of purchasing or operating these cleaner buses, as well as for infrastructure installation (for zero-emission buses), planning, and pilot programs. Funding comes from state appropriations, interest earnings, donations, and legal settlements specifically earmarked for this purpose. The bill updates existing law to explicitly include propane-powered buses in the transition program, which previously only covered zero-emission vehicles.
HB 1491 establishes the Interjurisdictional Safe Pathways Commission to coordinate and secure funding for safe routes for Maryland public school students traveling to and from school. The commission, made up of state education and transportation officials, school system representatives, local government members, students (including those with IEPs), parents, and infrastructure experts, will identify gaps in existing pathways, evaluate funding options, and develop strategic plans. It must submit annual reports to the governor and legislative committees by December 1st, detailing current conditions, funding opportunities, and recommendations for infrastructure improvements. This bill directly affects public school students, their families, school systems, and local governments responsible for transportation infrastructure.
SB 158 requires Maryland counties to create safe walking routes for public school students living beyond bus service distance. Each year, school boards must identify areas where students cannot access bus transportation and report potential safe walking paths (including sidewalks, footpaths, or bike paths). County governments must then build necessary sidewalks and crosswalks to enable these routes, coordinating with other agencies if roads are outside county control. The bill directly affects school districts, county governments, and students seeking safer walking options to school. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 26 allows students to attend public schools in counties other than their home county with parental/guardian consent, subject to specific rules. County school boards must create transparent application processes, prioritize local students and siblings, and track enrollment capacity, while ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws. The bill requires sending counties (where students live) to fund receiving counties (where schools are attended) based on per-student costs, with the state covering shortfalls if the sending county spends less. This directly affects students seeking cross-county schooling, county school boards, and the funding distribution between school districts.
HB 394 requires Maryland county school boards to annually identify areas where students live too far from school for bus transportation and list safe walking/biking routes (with sidewalks, crosswalks, or paths) for those students. County governments must then review these reports and construct necessary sidewalks and crosswalks to create these safe routes. The bill applies to all counties and mandates coordination with other entities if county-owned roads aren't sufficient. It directly affects public school students living beyond bus service distance and county governments responsible for infrastructure. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 292 repeals the sunset provisions (automatic expiration dates) for two 2021 laws that allow county boards of education to provide student transportation using non-standard vehicles under specific circumstances. It specifically removes the June 30, 2026, termination dates from Sections 3 of Chapter 197 and Chapter 198 of the 2021 Acts. This change makes the existing student transportation rules permanent, ensuring county boards can continue using non-standard vehicles for certain student transport without needing new legislation. The bill directly affects county school districts and their transportation policies.
SB 71 establishes the Interjurisdictional Safe Pathways Commission to identify and improve safe routes for students traveling to and from school across Maryland. The commission, including state education, transportation, health, and disability officials plus local school representatives, students, parents, and transportation experts, will coordinate infrastructure (like sidewalks and crosswalks), secure funding from federal grants and private sources, and develop strategic plans. It must annually report progress to the governor and legislative committees by December 1, focusing on gaps in safety infrastructure and funding opportunities. The commission will operate for seven years, ending September 30, 2033.
