Bill > S1504

This bill requires all school buses transporting students to be equipped with seatbelts for each permanent seating accommodation, in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. It also allows cities and towns to enact local ordinances or bylaws requiring school buses operating within the municipality to be equipped with seatbelts at an earlier implementation date. Additionally, the bill specifies that no claim for damages shall arise from the failure of a school bus operator, school, school district, or municipality to ensure that a passenger was wearing the required seatbelt. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.