Texas Senate Bill SB79

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the elimination of a requirement that certain buses that transport schoolchildren be equipped with three-point seat belts.

Impact

By repealing Section 547.701(e) of the Transportation Code, SB79 will effectively free school districts from the mandated requirement to retrofit older buses with three-point seat belts. This move may have significant implications for school transportation safety standards, potentially affecting the overall safety of students if alternative measures are not reinforced. While it may reduce costs for school districts that would have had to invest in seat belt installations, there are concerns regarding the safety of students during transit.

Summary

SB79 proposes the elimination of a requirement for certain buses transporting schoolchildren in Texas to be equipped with three-point seat belts. The bill amends Section 34.012(b) of the Education Code, designating the State Board of Education as the clearinghouse for best practices regarding school bus safety. The intent behind this legislative change is to allow for greater flexibility and ease in the safety regulations surrounding school buses, which may not have been equipped with seat belts upon their original purchase.

Contention

The most notable points of contention surrounding SB79 involve the debate over school bus safety. Proponents of the bill argue that it will ease financial burdens on school districts, especially those that have older fleets. However, opponents express concern that removing the seat belt requirements may compromise student safety and undermine efforts to create safer transportation environments. Advocates for children’s safety argue that seat belts are essential for protecting students in the event of accidents and that the absence of such a requirement could lead to higher risks during school commutes.