authorizing the department of education and local school districts to contract with transportation network companies to provide school transportation services.

This bill authorizes school districts and the Department of Education to hire transportation network companies to provide student transportation services using private passenger vehicles. To ensure safety, the legislation establishes strict requirements for drivers, including mandatory criminal background checks, medical examinations, and specialized certification. The law also mandates that these vehicles undergo regular inspections and requires providers to maintain detailed qualification files for every driver. Additionally, the bill clarifies that students with disabilities may ride in these vehicles unless their individualized education plans explicitly prohibit it.