Lawmakers reject school bus advertising bill

BOISE, Idaho — A bill introduced in the state Legislature in February that would have allowed local boards of trustees to sell advertising space on school buses has failed in the House.

Lawmakers voted 30 to 39 against the measure last week amid concerns that it would invite distracted driving, The Associated Press (AP) reports.

The bill would have restricted advertisements to the exterior of buses and prohibited ads that were political or sexually explicit in nature, along with those promoting alcohol and tobacco products.

Supporters like Republican Rep. Reed DeMordaunt argued that the money generated from the ads could help the state’s cash-strapped school districts. But opponents, including Republican Rep. Julie Ellsworth, said the advertisements could pose a safety hazard, according to AP.