Existing law requires every schoolbus, while being used for the transportation of school pupils at or below the 12th-grade level, to bear upon the front and rear of the bus a plainly visible sign containing the word schoolbus in letters not less than 8 inches in height. Existing law authorizes state funds, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to be distributed to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for distribution to certain local educational agencies for the purchase of low- or zero-emission schoolbuses that replace, or increase the number of, schoolbuses in the existing schoolbus fleet or for retrofitting existing schoolbuses to achieve reductions in emissions, as specified.

This bill would authorize a school district, county office of education, or charter school using a zero-emission schoolbus to transport pupils at or below the 12th-grade level to place signage on the rear of the zero-emission schoolbus that identifies the schoolbus as a clean air zero-emission bus. The bill would also authorize the Department of the California Highway Patrol to issue guidelines governing the size and placement of that signage.

Existing law requires every schoolbus, while being used for the transportation of school pupils at or below the 12th-grade level, to bear upon the front and rear of the bus a plainly visible sign containing the word schoolbus in letters not less than 8 inches in height. Existing law authorizes state funds, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to be distributed to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for distribution to certain local educational agencies for the purchase of low- or zero-emission schoolbuses that replace, or increase the number of, schoolbuses in the existing schoolbus fleet or for retrofitting existing schoolbuses to achieve reductions in emissions, as specified.

This bill would authorize a school district, county office of education, or charter school using a zero-emission schoolbus to transport pupils at or below the 12th-grade level to place signage on the rear of the zero-emission schoolbus that identifies the schoolbus as a clean air zero-emission bus. The bill would also authorize the Department of the California Highway Patrol to issue guidelines governing the size and placement of that signage.

Existing law requires every schoolbus, while being used for the transportation of school pupils at or below the 12th-grade level, to bear upon the front and rear of the bus a plainly visible sign containing the word schoolbus in letters not less than 8 inches in height. Existing law authorizes state funds, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to be distributed to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for distribution to certain local educational agencies for the purchase of low- or zero-emission schoolbuses that replace, or increase the number of, schoolbuses in the existing schoolbus fleet or for retrofitting existing schoolbuses to achieve reductions in emissions, as specified.

This bill would authorize a school district, county office of education, or charter school using an electric a zero-emission schoolbus to transport pupils at or below the 12th-grade level to place signage on the rear of the electric zero-emission schoolbus that identifies the school bus schoolbus as a clean air electric zero-emission bus. The bill would also authorize the Department of the California Highway Patrol to issue guidelines governing the size and placement of that signage.

Existing law requires every schoolbus, while being used for the transportation of school pupils at or below the 12th-grade level, to bear upon the front and rear of the bus a plainly visible sign containing the word schoolbus in letters not less than 8 inches in height. Existing law authorizes state funds, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to be distributed to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for distribution to certain local educational agencies for the purchase of low- or zero-emission schoolbuses that replace, or increase the number of, schoolbuses in the existing schoolbus fleet or for retrofitting existing schoolbuses to achieve reductions in emissions, as specified.

This bill would authorize a school district, county office of education, or charter school using an electric schoolbus to transport pupils at or below the 12th-grade level to place signage on the rear of the electric schoolbus that identifies the school bus as a clean air electric bus. The bill would also authorize the Department of the California Highway Patrol to issue guidelines governing the size and placement of that signage.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS  

Bill No: SB 775

Author: Padilla (D)

Amended: 6/28/23

Vote: 21

SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: 14-0, 3/28/23

AYES: Gonzalez, Niello, Allen, Becker, Blakespear, Cortese, Dodd, Limón, McGuire, Newman, Nguyen, Seyarto, Umberg, Wahab

NO VOTE RECORDED: Archuleta, Dahle

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 4/10/23

AYES: Portantino, Jones, Ashby, Bradford, Seyarto, Wahab, Wiener

SENATE FLOOR: 40-0, 5/22/23

AYES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Ashby, Atkins, Becker, Blakespear, Bradford, Caballero, Cortese, Dahle, Dodd, Durazo, Eggman, Glazer, Gonzalez, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, Menjivar, Min, Newman, Nguyen, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Portantino, Roth, Rubio, Seyarto, Skinner, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Umberg, Wahab, Wiener, Wilk

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 73-0, 8/24/23 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Vehicles: zero-emission schoolbuses: signage

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill authorizes school districts using zero-emission schoolbuses to add signage to the bus identifying it as such and authorizes the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to develop appropriate regulations.

Assembly Amendments

broaden the bill from electric schoolbuses to include zero-emission schoolbusses.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Requires schoolbuses to have plainly visible signage containing the word “schoolbus” in letters not less than eight inches in height. All other vehicles are prohibited from having this signage.
2. Requires schoolbuses to have plainly visible signage on the rear of the bus containing the words “Stop When Red Lights Flash” in letters not less than six inches in height.
3. Establishes, pursuant to regulation, numerous additional requirements for, and limitations to, paint and signage on schoolbuses. These regulations permit zero-emission schoolbuses to paint their bumpers and rims a different color from non-zero-emission schoolbuses.

This bill:

1. Authorizes a school district, county office of education, or charter school using a zero-emission schoolbus to place signage on the rear of that bus identifying it as such.
2. Authorizes the CHP to issue guidelines governing the size and placement of such signage.

Comments

1. Author’s Statement. According to the author, “Clear labeling of electric schoolbuses allows communities to see the impact of their hard-earned tax dollars as we replace our aging diesel fleet. Identifying our electric schoolbuses not only gives families the peace of mind that their children are not being exposed to further exhaust fumes, but also highlights our important work as we transition from fossil fuels to a carbon-free future.”
2. Strong Regulation. Schoolbus painting and marking is highly regulated for safety purposes (13 CCR § 1256.5). These regulations limit the type and size of signs which can be displayed. Current regulation allows zero-emission schoolbuses to deviate from the National School Bus Yellow when painting their bumpers and rims but does not allow for any signage. This bill allows zero-emission schoolbuses, which include electric and hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion, to add signage indicating that it is a clean air bus and authorizes the CHP to develop appropriate regulations. The CHP regulatory process will ensure that such signage will not impair school bus safety.
3. Clean Schoolbuses. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires diesel schoolbuses to be equipped with special filters to catch the small particulate matter emissions. CARB also provides subsidies of up to $375,000 for electric schoolbuses through the California Hybrid and Zero Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Program. The California Energy Commission provides subsidies for diesel school bus replacement through the School Bus Replacement Program. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administers a clean school bus rebate program.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, CHP anticipates one-time costs in the range of $50,000 to $100,000 to promulgate or amend schoolbus regulations to include specifications regarding the size and placement of signage identifying a schoolbus as a clean air zero-emission bus as well as for education and enforcement to the extent that other zero-emission schoolbus operators not authorized under this bill, such as private schoolbuses and schoolbus contractors, install signage on their schoolbuses (Motor Vehicle Account).

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/24/23)

Coalition for Clean Air

San Diego County Office of Education

San Diego Unified School District

Sweetwater Union High School District

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/24/23)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 73-0, 8/24/23

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bryan, Calderon, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Cervantes, Chen, Connolly, Megan Dahle, Davies, Dixon, Essayli, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Friedman, Gabriel, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Holden, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Mathis, McCarty, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Rendon, Reyes, Luz Rivas, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Robert Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Bonta, Gallagher, Garcia, Jones-Sawyer, Maienschein, McKinnor, Ward

Prepared by: Randy Chinn / TRANS. / (916) 651-4121

8/25/23 13:37:47

**** END ****

Date of Hearing: August 16, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Chris Holden, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 775

Author:(Padilla) – As Amended Ver:June 28, 2023

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill (1) authorizes a school district, county office of education, or charter school using a zero-emission schoolbus to transport students at or below the 12^th-grade level to place signage on the rear of the zero-emission schoolbus that identifies the schoolbus as a clean air zero-emission bus, (2) provides that the signage may specify the fuel type of the zero-emission schoolbus, and (3) authorizes the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to issue guidelines governing the size and placement of the signage.

FISCAL EFFECT:

CHP anticipates one-time costs in the range of $50,000 to $100,000 to promulgate or amend schoolbus regulations to include specifications regarding the size and placement of signage identifying a schoolbus as a clean air zero-emission bus as well as for education and enforcement to the extent that other zero-emission schoolbus operators not authorized under this bill, such as private schoolbuses and schoolbus contractors, install signage on their schoolbuses (Motor Vehicle Account).

COMMENTS:

1) Purpose. According to the author:

Clear labeling of electric schoolbuses allows communities to see the impact of their hard-earned tax dollars as we replace our aging diesel fleet. Identifying our electric schoolbuses not only gives families the peace of mind that their children are not being exposed to further exhaust fumes, but also highlights our important work as we transition from fossil fuels to a carbon-free future.

2) Background.

Regulating Signage. Schoolbus painting and marking is highly regulated for safety purposes. Regulations limit the type and size of signs that can be displayed on a schoolbus. Regulations already allow zero-emission schoolbus owners and operators to deviate from the “national schoolbus glossy yellow” when painting their bumpers and rims but does not allow for any signage. This bill allows a school district, county office of education, or charter school using a zero-emission schoolbus to add signage indicating that it is a clean air zero-emission bus and authorizes CHP to develop appropriate regulations to ensure that such signage will not impair school bus and student safety.

Funding. The Air Resources Board (ARB) notes the state typically provides funding for clean schoolbuses either as grants to local air districts or through the state’s own programs. For example, in fiscal year (FY) 2021-22, the state budget provided funding for the Public School Bus Set-Aside for Small and Medium Air Districts as a part of the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The set-aside program covers nearly all, if not all, the cost of new electric schoolbuses and their accompanying infrastructure for eligible applicants and requires scrappage of an old bus. As part of the set-aside program, ARB has allocated $265 million towards the purchase of zero-emission schoolbuses, and the California Energy Commission has allocated $35 million for supporting infrastructure. The application period for FY 2022-23 is June 20 through September 29, 2023. Schoolbus replacements are also an eligible project type under the Community Air Protection incentive program and one of the categories of equipment funded through the Carl Moyer Program.

In addition to this state and local air district funding, the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $5 billion for the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s new Clean School Bus Program for FYs 2022 to 2026 to replace existing schoolbuses with zero-emission and low-emission models.

Motor Vehicle Account (MVA). According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, over the past several years, expenditures from the MVA have generally grown faster than revenues, leading to persistent concerns about the MVA’s fund condition. The Newsom administration projects that the MVA will face an operational shortfall of about $220 million in FY 2024-25, resulting in a negative fund balance of about $75 million in the next FY. Absent corrective actions to increase revenues or reduce expenditures, the Newsom administration projects this imbalance to grow in the subsequent years, up to an estimated annual shortfall of $1.1 billion by FY 2027-28.

Analysis Prepared by: Nikita Koraddi / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: July 5, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Laura Friedman, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 775

Author:(Padilla) – As Amended Ver:June 28, 2023

SENATE VOTE: 40-0

SUBJECT: Vehicles: electric schoolbuses: signage

SUMMARY: Authorizes a school district, county office of education or charter school using an electric schoolbus to transport students at or below the 12^th-grade level to place signage on the rear of the electric schoolbus that identifies the schoolbus as a clean air zero-emission bus. Specifically, this bill:

1. Authorizes the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to issue guidelines governing the size and placement of zero-emission schoolbus signage.
2. Allows for the signage to identify the specific type of zero emission fuel.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Authorizes CHP to adopt reasonable rules and regulations, which in the judgment of the department, are designed to promote the safe operation of schoolbuses, with the advisement of an 11 member committee. (Vehicle Code Section (VEH) 34501.5)
2. Authorizes CHP to adopt and enforce rules and regulations related to the equipment, maintenance, construction, design, color, and operations of schoolbuses. (VEH 34508)
3. Requires the words “SCHOOL BUS” or “SCHOOLBUS” to be displayed on the back of the bus as well as the words “Stop When Red Lights Flash.” (VEH 27906)

Existing regulations:

1. Permit small exterior tabs or labels with lettering of nor more than one inch in height indicating operational information, such as, but not limited to, the type of fuel used on school buses. (California Code of Regulations Title 13, section 1256.5 (13 CCR 1256.5)
2. Permits additional signs consisting of special identification to be displayed so long as they are a maximum of 12 inches by 12 inches on the sides of a school bus below the bottom edge of the passengers’ side window glass and not closer than 12 inches from any required sign. (13 CCR 1256.5).

FISCAL EFFECT:

According to Senate Appropriations Committee, CHP estimates one-time costs in the range of $50,000 to $100,000 to amend schoolbus regulations to include specification of the size and placement of signage identifying a schoolbus as a clean air electric bus. (Motor Vehicle Account)

COMMENTS: CHP places strict limits on what signage is permitted on a schoolbus. Signage on the rear of the school bus is dictated by statue for safety purposes. Specifically, the rear of a schoolbus must indicate that it is a schoolbus and have signage indicating that drivers have to stop when the red light flashes. CHP regulations permit in small letters by one inch an indication of the type of fuel that is used in the vehicle. Schoolbuses may also have additional signage for special identification to be displayed, so long as they meet specified height requirements. Schoolbuses can also have the company logo on the bus.

According to the author, “Clear labeling of electric schoolbuses allows communities to see the impact of their hard-earned tax dollars as we replace our aging diesel fleet. Identifying our electric schoolbuses not only gives families the peace of mind that their children are not being exposed to further exhaust fumes, but also highlights our important work as we transition from fossil fuels to a carbon-free future.”

The Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) has set aside $122 million in 2022 to cover the purchase of electric schoolbuses. More recently, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $5 billion for the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s new Clean School Bus Program for fiscal years 2022-2026 to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. Of the $919 million awarded in 2022, California received $67 million for the purchase of 174 electric school buses.

San Diego Unified School District, writing in support of this bill, argues “San Diego Unified has begun transitioning to electric schoolbuses with the launch of our Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Program, which was made possible by a grant from the California Air Resources Board. There is clear evidence that clean transportation positively impacts health by reducing exposure to toxic diesel fumes which lead to increased risk of asthma, cancer, and other health conditions. With the cost of electric schoolbuses approximately three times greater than diesel buses, state grant funding has been critical to support the purchase of electric buses that improve public health by bringing cutting edge clean transportation technology to schools in communities disproportionately impacted by poor air quality. San Diego Unified currently has thirteen electric schoolbuses, which are identified by a green bumper. Current regulations restrict the use of other signage on schoolbuses that would readily identify them as clean air vehicles.

SB 775 (Padilla) would allow school districts to apply signage on the rear of electric schoolbuses to identify them as clean air vehicles. This bill would grant the California Highway Patrol the authority and discretion to determine the appropriate size and placement of this signage to ensure safety.”

Committee concerns: The Motor Vehicle Account (MVA), the primary funding source for CHP, remains structurally imbalanced. Although the MVA is projected to have a positive fund balance through the next three fiscal years, in 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26, expenditures are anticipated to outpace revenues, reducing the fund balance from $515 million in 2021-22 to $10 million in 2025-26.  The structural imbalance remains even though all future Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and CHP capital outlay costs are being shifted away from the MVA to the General Fund in an attempt to keep the fund solvent. By 2026-2027, the MVA is projected to run a $314 million deficit. CHP would need to use its regulatory process to implement this bill resulting in increased state costs that would be paid for out of the MVA.

San Diego Unified School District’s electric school buses have already indicated in several ways that the bus is electric. As permited, there is lettering on the side of their vehicles indicating the bus is electric. In addition, the company logo for the bus indiciates the bus is electric. Finally, the school buses have painted their bumpers green instead of blue to indicate the buses are electric.

The Legislature should consider if allowing a rear sign on a schoolbus, which has typically been reserved for sharing information on compliance with the law requiring drivers to stop when a flashing light is indicated to protect students, is worth opening up a regulatory process for when other identifiers on a bus indicating it is electric or another fuel type are already permitted.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Coalition for Clean Air
San Diego County Office of Education
San Diego Unified School District
Sweetwater Union High School District

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: David Sforza / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: SB 775

Author: Padilla (D)

Introduced: 2/17/23

Vote: 21

SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: 14-0, 3/28/23

AYES: Gonzalez, Niello, Allen, Becker, Blakespear, Cortese, Dodd, Limón, McGuire, Newman, Nguyen, Seyarto, Umberg, Wahab

NO VOTE RECORDED: Archuleta, Dahle

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 4/10/23

AYES: Portantino, Jones, Ashby, Bradford, Seyarto, Wahab, Wiener

SUBJECT: Vehicles: electric schoolbuses: signage

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill authorizes school districts using electric schoolbuses to add signage to the bus identifying it as a clean air electric bus and authorizes the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to develop appropriate regulations.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Requires schoolbuses to have plainly visible signage containing the word “schoolbus” in letters not less than eight inches in height. All other vehicles are prohibited from having this signage.
2. Requires schoolbuses to have plainly visible signage on the rear of the bus containing the words “Stop When Red Lights Flash” in letters not less than six inches in height.
3. Establishes, pursuant to regulation, numerous additional requirements for, and limitations to, paint and signage on schoolbuses. These regulations permit zero-emission schoolbuses to paint their bumpers and rims a different color from non-ZEV schoolbuses.

This bill:

1. Authorizes a school district, county office of education, or charter school using an electric schoolbus to place signage on the rear of that bus identifying it as a clean air electric bus.
2. Authorizes the CHP to issue guidelines governing the size and placement of such signage.

Comments

1. Author’s Statement. According to the author, “Clear labeling of electric schoolbuses allows communities to see the impact of their hard-earned tax dollars as we replace our aging diesel fleet. Identifying our electric schoolbuses not only gives families the peace of mind that their children are not being exposed to further exhaust fumes, but also highlights our important work as we transition from fossil fuels to a carbon-free future.”
2. Strong Regulation. Schoolbus painting and marking is highly regulated for safety purposes (13 CCR § 1256.5). These regulations limit the type and size of signs which can be displayed. Current regulation allows zero-emission schoolbuses to deviate from the National School Bus Yellow when painting their bumpers and rims but does not allow for any signage. This bill allows electric schoolbuses to add signage indicating that it is a clean air electric bus and authorizes the CHP to develop appropriate regulations. The CHP regulatory process will ensure that such signage will not impair school bus safety.
3. Clean Schoolbuses. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires diesel schoolbuses to be equipped with special filters to catch the small particulate matter emissions. CARB also provides subsidies of up to $375,000 for electric schoolbuses through the California Hybrid and Zero Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Program (HVIP). The California Energy Commission provides subsidies for diesel school bus replacement through the School Bus Replacement Program. In addition, the US EPA administers a clean school bus rebate program.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, the CHP estimates one-time costs in the range of $50,000 to $100,000 to amend schoolbus regulations to include specification of the size and placement of signage identifying a schoolbus as a clean air electric bus. (Motor Vehicle Account)

SUPPORT: (Verified 4/12/23)

Coalition for Clean Air

San Diego County Office of Education

Sweetwater Union High School District

OPPOSITION: (Verified 4/12/23)

None received

Prepared by: Randy Chinn / TRANS. / (916) 651-4121

4/12/23 14:04:27

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Anthony Portantino, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular Session

SB 775 (Padilla) - Vehicles: electric schoolbuses: signage

Bill Summary:

SB 775 would authorize specified school entities that use an electric schoolbus to transport K-12 pupils to place signage on the rear of the bus identifying it as a clean air electric bus. The bill would also authorize the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to issue guidelines governing the size and placement of that signage.

Fiscal Impact:

• The CHP estimates one-time costs in the range of $50,000 to $100,000 to amend schoolbus regulations to include specification of the size and placement of signage identifying a schoolbus as a clean air electric bus. (Motor Vehicle Account)

Background:

Existing law defines a “schoolbus” as a motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained for the transportation of any school pupil at or below the 12th grade level to or from a public or private school or to or from public or private school activities, as specified. Existing law requires the CHP to regulate the safe operation of schoolbuses and to adopt and enforce rules and regulations related to the equipment, maintenance, construction, design, color, and operation of schoolbuses.

Existing law and regulations (13 CCR § 1256.5) specify numerous requirements and limitations regarding schoolbus paint color, markings, and signage, including mandatory signage of specified size and placement for the following: the words “SCHOOL BUS” or “SCHOOLBUS,” the words “Stop When Red Lights Flash,” the carrier name, the bus number, the carrier number, a sign reading “EMERGENCY EXIT,” and a stop signal arm, as specified. Existing regulations do not provide for specific optional signage identifying a schoolbus as a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV), but does allow the bumpers and rims of a ZEV schoolbus to be painted a different color than a standard schoolbus.

Proposed Law:

SB 775 would authorize a school district, county office of education, or charter school using an electric schoolbus to transport K-12 pupils to place signage on the rear of the bus identifying it as a clean air electric bus. The bill would also authorized the CHP to issue guidelines governing the size and placement of that signage.

Staff Comments:

The costs noted above include staff time to research, draft, and publish the regulations providing for clean air electric bus signage. CHP notes that there could be some additional staff costs associated with education and enforcement to the extent that other electric school bus operators not authorized under the bill, such as private schools and school bus contractors, install signage on their schoolbuses.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Senator Lena Gonzalez, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: Hearing Date: 3/28/2023

SUBJECT:

DIGEST: This bill authorizes school districts using electric schoolbuses to add signage to the bus identifying it as a clean air electric bus and authorizes the CHP to develop appropriate regulations.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Requires schoolbuses to have plainly visible signage containing the word “schoolbus” in letters not less than eight inches in height. All other vehicles are prohibited from having this signage.
2. Requires schoolbuses to have plainly visible signage on the rear of the bus containing the words “Stop When Red Lights Flash” in letters not less than six inches in height.
3. Pursuant to regulation, establishes numerous additional requirements for, and limitations to, paint and signage on schoolbuses. These regulations permit zero-emission schoolbuses to paint their bumpers and rims a different color from non-ZEV schoolbuses.

This bill:

1. Authorizes a school district, county office of education, or charter school using an electric schoolbus to place signage on the rear of that bus identifying it as a clean air electric bus.
2. Authorizes the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to issue guidelines governing the size and placement of such signage.

COMMENTS:

1. Author’s Statement. According to the author, “Clear labeling of electric schoolbuses allows communities to see the impact of their hard-earned tax dollars as we replace our aging diesel fleet. Identifying our electric schoolbuses not only gives families the peace of mind that their children are not being exposed to further exhaust fumes, but also highlights our important work as we transition from fossil fuels to a carbon-free future.”
2. Strong Regulation. Schoolbus painting and marking is highly regulated for safety purposes (13 CCR § 1256.5). These regulations limit the type and size of signs which can be displayed. Current regulation allows zero-emission schoolbuses to deviate from the National School Bus Yellow when painting their bumpers and rims but does not allow for any signage. This bill allows electric schoolbuses to add signage indicating that it is a clean air electric bus and authorizes the CHP to develop appropriate regulations. The CHP regulatory process will ensure that such signage will not impair school bus safety.
3. Clean Schoolbuses. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires diesel schoolbuses to be equipped with special filters to catch the small particulate matter emissions. CARB also provides subsidies of up to $375,000 for electric schoolbuses through the California Hybrid and Zero Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Program (HVIP). The California Energy Commission provides subsidies for diesel school bus replacement through the School Bus Replacement Program. In addition, the US EPA administers a clean school bus rebate program.

Related Legislation:

None.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

Unknown

POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.)

SUPPORT:

Coalition for Clean Air

San Diego County Office of Education

OPPOSITION:

None received

-- END --