Massachusetts establishes Extraordinary Routes Relief Fund to subsidize high transportation costs for non-regional school districts

Original title: An Act requiring equitable funding for non-regional school districts with high transportation costs

Last action · May 23, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2Sponsors: Michelle Badger and 6 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Massachusetts establishes a dedicated fund to provide transportation grants to s whose per-pupil transportation expenses exceed 125 per cent of the state average, covering up to 40 per cent of that excess cost. Eligible districts must apply annually by July 1 with transportation data, and an 11-member oversight committee will manage allocations. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must submit an annual evaluation report by June 30.

Why it matters

Qualifying s facing high student transportation costs become eligible for state grant funding to offset expenses like bus purchases, maintenance, fuel, and driver salaries. The program creates a new oversight committee and requires annual reporting on district transportation metrics and fund effectiveness.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Non-regional school districts

Eligible non-regional school districts may apply for state grants to cover a portion of their excess transportation expenses.

Directly affected

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The department must review fund effectiveness, evaluate district support, and submit an annual report to the legislature by June 30.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which school districts are eligible to apply for transportation grants?

s are eligible to apply if their transportation costs per pupil exceed 125 per cent of the average transportation costs per pupil in the commonwealth.

What expenses can the grant money cover?

Grants can cover a portion of transportation-related expenses, including the purchase and maintenance of buses, fuel costs, and driver salaries.

Who oversees the allocation of the fund?

An 11-member committee appointed by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education oversees the fund, consisting of 8 representatives from regional and s and 3 representatives from the department.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

3 actions

May 23, 2025Joint
Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2
Feb 27, 2025Senate
Senate concurred
Feb 27, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to the committee on Education

Version history

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