Bill > S1662

This bill requires all school buses transporting students to public, vocational, private, or parochial schools to be equipped with seatbelts for each permanent seating accommodation, specifically mandating that these seatbelts must be designed and installed in compliance with United States Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) safety standards. The legislation allows individual cities and towns to enact local ordinances requiring seatbelt installation on school buses at an earlier date than the statewide implementation, which is set for July 1, 2028. Importantly, the bill includes a provision that protects school bus operators, schools, school districts, and municipalities from legal claims arising from a student's failure to use the provided seatbelt restraint system. By requiring seatbelts on school buses, the bill aims to enhance student safety during transportation, addressing potential risks in the event of accidents or sudden stops, while providing flexibility for local jurisdictions and legal protection for educational entities.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1662