A Virginia state senator filed a bill for the upcoming general assembly that would allow for advertisements on the side of school buses in an effort to generate money for school districts.
Bill SB900, filed by Sen. Bryce Reeves, also would allow school districts to sell advertising space on buildings and other school property. The money from the bus ads would go toward school transportation, and funds generated from outside school buildings would be used to maintain schools.
Like school bus ad bills introduced in other states, this proposed measure would limit the type of ads used on the bus or on school buildings — no political, religious and age-inappropriate ads. Additionally, school boards would be able to regulate ad size and design.
According to an article, Reeves, whose district includes Spotsylvania County, said the sports participation fee implemented by the county school division in the 2010-11 school year motivated his proposal.
Nine states have measures allowing ads on school buses, including New Jersey and Utah. The Florida legislature is currently considering a school bus ad bill for the third time. If passed, the current bill, HB1, would go into effect July 1.
Reeves this year also introduced a bill that would require decals to be placed on the rear of school buses noting that they stop at railroad crossings.