AN ACT CONCERNING THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS.

SB 586 aims to address the shortage of school bus drivers by helping school districts recruit and retain them. The bill would allow local school boards to use grants to cover health insurance costs for school bus drivers, directly supporting both the drivers (by reducing their expenses) and school districts (by lowering hiring barriers). Key provisions include amending state statutes to authorize these grants, which are intended to make bus driving positions more financially attractive. This policy change focuses on concrete cost assistance rather than new regulations or mandates. The bill targets Connecticut's school districts and their driver workforce, with the goal of easing recruitment challenges.