Requires school committees to provide transportation for any students who resides two (2) or more miles from school.

## Summary of the Bill

This bill would require local school committees in Rhode Island to provide transportation for any student who lives two or more miles from their school. Under current law, school committees have the option to provide transportation but are not obligated to do so in all cases. This bill would change that by making student transportation a mandatory responsibility for school districts when the distance threshold is met.

The bill would affect students across Rhode Island who live at least two miles from the school they attend. Currently, transportation policies can vary from district to district, meaning some students who live a significant distance from school may not have access to a bus or other district-provided transportation. By setting a statewide standard, the bill aims to ensure that all students meeting the distance requirement receive transportation, regardless of which district they live in.

This change would also have implications for school districts and local budgets, as districts that do not currently provide transportation to all qualifying students would need to fund and arrange those services. The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House and referred to the House Education Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study, with a hearing or consideration scheduled for January 2026.