Bill > S1282

This bill aims to enhance student transportation safety by mandating the use of lap-shoulder belts in school buses. Specifically, it amends existing laws to require that all children riding as passengers in school buses must wear properly adjusted and fastened lap-shoulder belts within two years of the bill's effective date, or sooner if the bus is already equipped with such restraints. The bill also mandates that school bus safety training will include instruction on the proper use of these belts. Furthermore, it requires school buses to be equipped with lap-shoulder belt systems for each seating position, approved by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), within two years of the effective date. To incentivize the installation of these safety features, the bill directs the commissioner to create a schedule of premium reductions for motor vehicle insurance rates for school buses equipped with approved lap-shoulder belt systems, and allows owners of already equipped buses to apply for these reductions. Finally, the bill clarifies that school bus operators will not be held liable for damages resulting from a passenger not wearing a required restraint system.