An Act promoting access to zero-emission school buses

This bill creates a state program to help Massachusetts school districts afford zero-emission school buses by covering the price difference between these new vehicles and traditional diesel buses. The Department of Energy Resources will manage the initiative, which includes funding for purchasing buses and installing necessary charging infrastructure. Priority for funding will be given to communities with lower median incomes or higher rates of childhood asthma, and the state will also set up a centralized contract for schools to buy or lease these buses. The law requires the department to publish application details annually and report data on grants issued and environmental benefits achieved.