Bill description: SB 1108 would create a new scholarship program for driver training programs and increase the state reimbursement to school districts for their driver training programs.

Rating: -2

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt?

Under current law, public school districts, in partnership with the Transportation Department, can offer driver training classes for students between the ages of 14 ½  and 21. The student does not have to attend a public school to take the course. Students attending a private, parochial, or charter school can take it, as can home-schooled students.

A school district can receive reimbursements from the state for the costs of the driver training course if its program has been approved by the state Board of Education. The maximum reimbursement the district can receive is $125 per student.

SB 1108 would increase the maximum reimbursement amount for the district to $150 per student. Additionally, this bill would use a portion of the funds available for reimbursements to provide additional grants to school districts with successful training programs.

(-1)

Does it increase government redistribution of wealth? Examples include the use of tax policy or other incentives to reward specific interest groups, businesses, politicians, or government employees with special favors or perks; transfer payments; and hiring additional government employees. Conversely, does it decrease government redistribution of wealth?

SB 1104 would also establish a program to reimburse students for the out-of-pocket costs they incur as part of participating in driver training programs. These scholarships would be limited to a maximum of 10 percent of the students statewide who take the training programs. Up to 10 percent of the total funds that are available for operating these training programs could be spent on these scholarships.

(-1)