WASHINGTON — School systems across Virginia would be allowed to put commercial advertising on parts of school buses under a bill set for a final vote in the House of Delegates Friday.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Del. Israel O’Quinn, of Bristol, would permit ads between the rear wheels and the rear of the bus as another way to help close budget gaps.
“It’s a very narrowly drawn type of advertising that can occur there, and is optional for localities to opt in. If they opt in, then they can use that money as they see fit, so I see this as a way to come up with a new and innovative revenue stream for localities who choose to exercise it,” O’Quinn said Thursday.
Ads that are sexually explicit, or about gambling, politics, tobacco, alcohol, or food or drinks that do not meet nutrition standards for food sold to students in school, would still be banned under the bill.
The House Education Committee approved the bill, 20 to 2, earlier this week.
If the House passes the bill, it would go to the Senate for consideration.
The General Assembly session runs through March 10.
