CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

STATE BOARD MEETING
January 9, 2010

On Wednesday in the Governor’s State of the State address, he asserted that he would protect education funding.  The Governor’s January Budget announcement was yesterday.  The Governor’s proposal for school transportation at this point is to continue with the 19.84% cut plus the 0.38% COLA reduction.  It is expected that with the $8 billion shortfall for this year the expected shortfall for next year there is a $21 billion gap to make up.  We may see more proposed cuts in the future.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER’S DAY RESOLUTION

Our Legislative Advocate, Bill Dohring will be working on accomplishing the annual legislative resolution.  School Bus Driver Day is celebrated in California as the fourth Tuesday in April, which this year will be April 27, 2010.

CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD LESBP WORKSHOP

Attached is a notice from the California Air Resources Board announcing a workshop for the Lower Emission School Bus Program.  It will be Tuesday January 26, 2010 at their office in Sacramento and is intended to discuss some critical information relative to the program.  It is also available as a webcast.  Please see the attached notice.

CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD DEADLINE EXTENSIONS AND INFO

The second notice from the ARB extends the contract execution deadlines to June 30, 2010 and has the new emission standards for 2010 buses.

FEDERAL EXCISE TAX CREDIT FOR CNG FUEL

Since October, 2006 school districts and other users have been able to apply for a $0.50 per gasoline gallon equivalent credit for using compressed natural gas (or propane) as a vehicle fuel.  This credit is set to sunset effective December 31, 2009.  Federal Legislation intended to extend the credit is part of HR 4213.  This bill passed the House and is now in the Senate.  Attached is a sample letter of support.  We sent one to both of California’s Senators.  You may use the letter as a template for your own letter of support.

DOT MOTORCOACH SAFETY ACTION PLAN

Attached is the executive summary of the above referenced document.  This is an effort by the Federal Department of Transportation to look at the major causes of motorcoach crashes and develops an action plan to address them.  Ultimately there will be a Federal rulemaking process that will allow comment and input.  Some of these items may affect school transportation.

AARA FUNDING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS BUSES

Attached is a copy of an article from School Bus Fleet magazine that indicates some of the Federal recovery funding may be used for special education bus purchases.

NHTSA NPRM

Attached is a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that proposes two rulemakings that are described as “housekeeping” measures. 

NEW LAWS

SB 124 Oropeza:  This bill increases the civil penalty from $100 to $300 and authorizes “other civil penalties” for violations of the idling rules.  This became effective January 1, 2010.  As you know, this is a test question on Test #2 for the School Bus Driver’s test.  There is no word on how CHP will be dealing with this question yet.