Bill > S01061

This bill requires all school bus passengers to wear seat belts, with specific provisions aimed at improving student safety. The legislation mandates that school bus drivers announce "Everybody fasten your seat belt" before the bus begins moving and requires a school bus attendant to be assigned to any special needs student who cannot independently use a seat belt. School bus attendants and other supervisory personnel are exempted from the seat belt requirement. The bill empowers the commissioner of education to enforce these provisions and establish rules for seat belt instruction, emergency drills, and safe boarding procedures. The law also clarifies that in personal injury cases involving school bus accidents, defendants cannot be held liable solely because a passenger was or was not wearing a seat belt. Additionally, the bill gives school boards the discretion to install seat belts on buses and requires mandatory use of seat belts once they are installed. The new requirements will take effect on the first of September following the bill's passage, with immediate authorization for developing necessary implementation regulations.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1061