Louisiana House Bill HR146

Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/22
• Refer: 5/17/22
• Report Pass: 5/24/22
• Passed: 5/31/22

Caption

Requests the state Department of Education and the Department of Transportation and Development to study the feasibility and effectiveness of installing seat belts on school buses

Impact

The resolution aims to prompt a careful examination of existing practices in other states and assessments of cost implications related to seat belt installation. If the study shows positive results, it could lead to changes in state policy regarding school bus safety requirements, potentially transforming safety regulations and enhancing the overall safety environment for school children during transit.

Summary

HR146 is a resolution that urges the Louisiana Department of Education and the Department of Transportation and Development to study the feasibility and effectiveness of installing seat belts on school buses. The resolution emphasizes the potential benefits of seat belts for both students and bus operators, advocating that their presence could enhance safety and encourage a habit of using seat belts among children. It requests that findings be reported to the House Committee on Education by February 1, 2023.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR146 appears to be generally supportive, with a shared consensus on the goal of improving student safety. Legislators are recognizing the importance of seat belt usage and how it can contribute to better behavior in children and reduced distractions during transport. This indicates a growing awareness and proactive stance on child safety in educational settings.

Contention

While the resolution itself has not led to significant contention, the discussions around the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of implementing seat belts on school buses may reveal varying opinions. Some legislators and stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the financial implications for school districts, while advocates for child safety are likely to push for a thorough and swift investigation into the benefits of such measures.