Connecticut House Bill HB05683

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/17
• Refer: 1/13/17

Caption

An Act Concerning School Districts And The School Bus Seat Belt Account.

Impact

The bill establishes a framework for funding that could significantly impact how school districts manage their transportation needs. By providing financial assistance, school districts may be more inclined to purchase school buses equipped with safety belts, which can lead to increased safety for students. The requirement for state departments to inform districts about the available funding is designed to improve awareness and participation in the program, making it easier for schools to understand and apply for the funds.

Summary

House Bill 05683 addresses the issue of school bus safety by amending section 14-275d of the general statutes. The bill's primary focus is to require the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Education to proactively inform local and regional school districts about a program that provides funding to help offset the sales tax on the purchase of school buses equipped with seat safety belts. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of students during transportation by incentivizing the use of school buses with safety features such as seat belts.

Contention

While the bill seems straightforward, there can be debates around the allocation of resources and whether adequate funding will be available to cover the costs associated with this initiative. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the efficiency of informational outreach efforts by the state departments and whether school districts will actually utilize the funding. Furthermore, there could be discussions about the broader implications of mandating safety features in school transportation, including the financial burdens placed on local governments and taxpayers.