School Bus Safety: New Requirements and Grants
This act introduces new mandatory safety requirements for school buses, such as seat belts, automatic emergency braking systems, and event data recorders. The goal is to enhance the safety of children during their commutes to and from school. Additionally, a grant program is established to help schools purchase and upgrade their buses.
Key points
All new school buses over 10,000 pounds will be required to have three-point seat belts at every seating position.
School buses will be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems, event data recorders, and electronic stability control systems.
New, stricter fire protection standards will be implemented, including fire suppression systems and improved firewalls.
School bus operators will need to complete at least 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.
A grant program will be established to assist schools in purchasing new, safer buses or modifying existing ones.
Studies will be conducted on motion-activated detection systems around buses and seat belt alert systems.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_3381
Sponsor: Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
Process start date: 2021-05-20