Missouri lawmakers mull allowing school bus ads

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri lawmakers have proposed allowing advertising on school buses to help cash-strapped school districts.

The ads would be allowed on the inside and outside of school buses but could not feature gambling, alcohol, tobacco or political issues. School districts would need to use half the revenue they generate for transportation costs.

Sponsoring House member Mike Kelley, a Republican from Lamar, said an extra revenue source could be useful for schools that have faced several years of tight budgets. Kelley said there already is advertising around schools.

School bus advertising has prompted concerns over safety and targeting children with advertising they cannot avoid.

About a dozen states allow some form of advertising on buses.

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School bus ads is HB1273

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov