summary
Introduced
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the School Code. Requires a public or nonpublic school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity operating a school bus to provide written or verbal instruction concerning the availability and correct use of seat safety belts to student passengers and their parents or legal guardians at least 2 times per calendar or school year. Requires a school bus driver or aide to provide a verbal or posted reminder to all passengers to fasten their seat safety belts properly before the bus begins to move prior to the start of each trip. Contains provisions concerning liability. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, beginning August 1, 2026, if a school bus has one or more designated passenger seating positions equipped with a seat safety belt system, the seats shall be prioritized for use and the seat safety belt shall be worn correctly by the passengers of the bus. Provides that a public or nonpublic school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity operating a school bus shall instruct passengers on the correct use of seat safety belt systems. Provides that when operating other vehicles not defined as a school bus, a public or nonpublic school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity transporting children must adhere to the occupant restraint requirements of the Child Passenger Protection Act. Provides that, under certain circumstances, a public or nonpublic school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity operating a school bus shall not be charged for a violation requiring a passenger to use a seat safety belt system if a passenger on the school bus fails to use or incorrectly uses the seat belt system. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill requires public and nonpublic schools, transportation providers, and other entities operating school buses to provide comprehensive seat safety belt instruction and enforcement. Starting August 1, 2026, school buses with seat safety belt systems must prioritize and require passengers to correctly use these belts, with bus drivers or aides required to provide verbal or posted reminders before each trip. The bill mandates that schools and transportation providers give written or verbal instructions about seat safety belt availability and correct use to students and their parents or guardians at least twice per calendar or school year. The State Board of Education is tasked with providing guidance on implementing these instructions before July 1, 2026. Importantly, the bill includes liability protections, specifying that schools, transportation providers, drivers, and staff cannot be held liable for a passenger's failure to use or correctly fasten seat safety belts. When operating vehicles other than school buses, these entities must follow the Child Passenger Protection Act's occupant restraint requirements. The bill aims to improve student safety during transportation by promoting proper seat belt usage and awareness.
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mike Simmons (on 03/04/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1613&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB1613.htm |
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