Bill > A07254

This bill mandates that all passengers on school buses wear seat belts, with specific provisions to enhance student safety. The legislation requires school bus drivers to announce "Everybody fasten your seat belt" before the bus begins moving and empowers the commissioner of education to enforce these requirements. School bus attendants and supervisory personnel are exempt from the seat belt requirement. For students with special needs who cannot independently use a seat belt, the bill requires a dedicated school bus attendant to be assigned. The bill also clarifies that in any personal injury lawsuit involving a school bus, the defendant cannot be held liable solely because a passenger was or was not wearing a seat belt. Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to define motor vehicles and school buses, and increases the number of mandatory safety drills from three to four per school year. The legislation applies to school districts, nonpublic schools, and contracted transportation services, with provisions taking effect on the first of September following the bill's passage. The goal of this bill is to improve student safety during school transportation by ensuring proper use of seat belts and providing additional support for students with special needs.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7254