Connecticut House Bill HB06959

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/19
• Refer: 1/30/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Seat Belts On School Buses.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would modify existing regulations related to transportation safety in schools, particularly affecting the specifications for school bus manufacturing and safety requirements. The legislation signals a commitment to improving child safety measures within the state's transportation policies and could lead to a broader reassessment of safety regulations for school transportation. While existing school buses may not need to retroactively install seat belts, all newly purchased buses would necessitate compliance with the new regulation.

Summary

House Bill 06959 proposes the amendment of section 14-275 of the general statutes to require all new school buses to be equipped with seat belts for passengers. The intent of this legislation is to enhance the safety of students during transportation by mandating that all new school buses adhere to this safety standard. Proponents of the bill argue that the presence of seat belts can significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of accidents, thereby making school buses a safer mode of transportation for children.

Contention

While the bill may receive support from parents and child safety advocates, there could be points of contention regarding the costs associated with retrofitting older buses or the financial implications for school districts in acquiring new buses equipped with seat belts. Opponents may argue about the practicality and feasibility of implementing such requirements given budget constraints. This legislation highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between safety enhancements and financial responsibilities in public education funding.