The Kentucky legislature Wednesday passed a house bill that would allow advertising on school buses. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
The House passed HB 30 in a 67-29 vote.
“It’s a simple bill with the sole intent of generating revenue for local school district,” said bill sponsor Rep. Terry Mills in a statement from the Kentucky Legislature Research Commission.
Last week, Mills said pending budget cuts could harm educational programs and that at least seven other states permit ads on buses to help ease funding shortfalls.
Under HB 30, local school boards would be responsible for seeking advertisers and negotiating rates, and would make the decision of the type of advertising content allowed on school buses, with exceptions. Political or campaign advertising would not be allowed, as well as ads for tobacco, alcohol or sexually oriented businesses.
The ads would have to be located below the bus windows, behind the front wheel and then only in areas that would not interfere with the effectiveness of warning equipment and reflectors, according to the bill.
While supporters of the bill say it is good for schools and businesses, opponents have said children already see enough ads. They also argue that the ads could be a distraction for drivers. Others are concerned that the bill does not provide enough detail to prevent inappropriate content or ads that will look tacky.
Last week the Florida legislature pushed through two bills that would allow ads on school buses, legislation opposed by the Florida Association for Pupil Transportation. The Senate Transportation Committee today passed the Senate bill by a 8-2 vote. That bill will now move to the Senate Budget Committee for a vote. And last week a Florida subcommittee passed a related House bill and is heading to another committee for a vote.
Last March, NASDPTS published a position paper in opposition of school bus advertising.
