Section 68 of chapter 71 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the sixth sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:—

A school committee may assess fees to transported students up to an amount sufficient to cover the costs incurred by the district; provided, however, that a transported student whose transportation is required under any other general or special law or who is eligible for free or reduced lunch under the federal school lunch program shall not be required to pay the fee; and provided further, that a school committee may exempt families at other income levels as it may determine or offer discounts for families who pay transportation fees for multiple students; and provided further, that fees may not be assessed based on distance from the schoolhouse.