HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2117

(2) THE INCREASE IN THE PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION
CATEGORY OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR THE BALTIMORE AREA
DURING THE SECOND FISCAL YEAR BEFORE THE FISCAL YEAR FOR
WHICH THE STATE AID UNDER THIS SECTION IS MADE.

(C) THE STATE BOARD SHALL ADOPT RULES AND REGULATIONS
THAT PROVIDE FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE STUDENT
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM OF EACH COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION.

[7-602.

(a)  This section applies only to the following
counties:

(1)  Calvert;

(2)  Caroline;

(3)  Charles, except that this county may not own
more than four buses, excluding any vehicle primarily used
to transport handicapped students or athletic teams;

(4)  Dorchester;

(5)  Queen Anne's;

(6)  St. Mary's;

(7)  Talbot; and

(8)  Worcester.

(b) (1) Each county board shall contract with
independent contractors for the buses and operators it needs
to transport students and teachers.

(2)  Each county may not own more than ten buses.

(3)  The use of independent contractors by these
counties does not affect the amount of State funds provided
for school bus transportation.]

[7-606.

(a) A school bus may be used to transport any student
who lives within the mileage limit, IF A MILEAGE LIMIT HAS
BEEN ESTABLISHED BY A LOCAL BOARD OF EDUCATION, AND if;

(1)  The school bus is not filled to capacity;

(2)  No additional bus stop is added to the route
to transport the student; and

(3)  The transportation officer or his designee
has identified a specific existing hardship that would
justify allowing the student to be transported.