Rep. W. Jones proposes the following amendment (LC-39.SA0314H):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by adding:

 Section 59-8-180.(A) The State, acting through the State Board of Education, shall assume the obligation of transporting students who claim financial hardship and who live within twenty-five miles of their chosen school. In these cases, persons shall apply in writing to the Department of Education for the State to assume the financial responsibility for this transportation. The Department of Education shall allocate appropriated funds to the nearest local school district for transportation services. 

 (B) The State shall provide school transportation service within two-tenths of a mile of each student's residence.

 (C) The State shall provide to the local school district the number of school buses required to accommodate all students identified as eligible for transport with state funds pursuant to this section.