Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed House Bill 2720, a new measure aimed at providing transportation flexibility for rural school districts in Virginia. The bill, introduced by Delegate Terry Austin, allows districts with fewer than 4,500 students to explore alternative methods of student transportation.
“Today we’re breaking down barriers that have limited our communities for far too long,” said Governor Youngkin. “House Bill 2720 represents the innovative thinking Virginia needs to ensure every student, regardless of where they live, has access to quality education and extracurricular opportunities.”
The legislation permits qualifying school boards to partner with community colleges, contract private transportation providers, and use ride-sharing and carpooling services alongside traditional bus routes. This initiative is especially relevant for areas like Botetourt County, which serves a student population of 4,424 across a large geographical area.
Delegate Terry Austin emphasized the broader impact of the bill: “House Bill 2720 isn’t just about getting kids to school; it’s about opening doors to opportunity.”
The bill passed with strong bipartisan support in both chambers of the state legislature. It received unanimous approval in the House of Delegates with a vote count of 96-0 and was similarly well-received in the Senate with a vote tally of 36-3.
Governor Youngkin highlighted the policy’s focus on results: “We’re implementing thoughtful policy with safeguards and evaluation measures to ensure we’re delivering results for our students and families.”
Virginia now joins nine other states that permit similar flexibility in student transportation options. These states include Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Alaska, and Oregon.
The signing ceremony took place at Botetourt County Public Schools. The district recently received over $1 million from the Virginia Department of Education as part of the ALL In VA Initiative.
Governor Youngkin concluded by underscoring the importance of accessible education: “Better transportation options mean better access to education…That’s what House Bill 2720 is all about: putting students first.”
