Bill > HB2008

This bill requires that all new school buses purchased on or after the effective date of the act be equipped with factory-installed lap-shoulder seat belts (also known as a three-point harness system) for each seating position, in addition to the existing federal safety standards. It mandates that passengers on school buses with seat belts wear them properly at all times, but does not hold the bus owner or operator liable for a passenger's failure to comply, except for maintenance of the seat belt equipment or other applicable laws. The bill also exempts existing school buses from being retrofitted with seat belts and directs the state board of education to develop a school bus safety program to educate students on proper behavior and seat belt usage.