Missouri House endorses ads on school buses

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri House members have approved legislation that would allow advertising on school buses to help districts cover transportation costs.

The legislation would allow school districts to lease space on the inside and exterior of school buses for private advertisements. Ads could not feature gambling, alcohol or tobacco. And the state Board of Education would be responsible for developing rules for the school bus ads.

Districts would be required to spend half the income from the ads for transportation costs.

The House passed the bill Thursday on a vote of 83-65, just one favorable vote more than the minimum needed for approval. The measure now moves to the state Senate.