2023 Senate Bill 42

School aid: fiscal year appropriations; appropriation of certain funds for rural district transportation; provide for.

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” (MCL 388.1601 to 388.1896) by adding section 22e.

AI Analysis – Experimental

SB 42 aims to amend the State School Aid Act of 1979 by adding section 22e. This bill proposes an appropriation of up to $50,000,000 from the state school aid fund for the 2022-2023 fiscal year to reimburse eligible school districts for transportation costs. Eligibility is determined by a district having fewer than 20.0 pupils per square mile, with varying reimbursement rates per pupil based on population density. If the allocated funding is insufficient, payments will be prorated equally among eligible districts. The bill also mandates the department, in collaboration with the state budget office, to prepare and submit a report on rural district transportation funding by January 1, 2024, detailing the challenges and costs associated with providing equitable transportation services in rural districts.

Introduced in the Senate

Jan. 25, 2023

Introduced by Sen. Michele Hoitenga (R-36) and five co-sponsors

Co-sponsored by Sens. Jon Bumstead (R-32), Rick Outman (R-33), Roger Hauck (R-34), Dan Lauwers (R-25) and John Damoose (R-37)

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations