Connecticut House Bill HB05178

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/17
• Refer: 1/4/17
• Refer: 3/16/17

Caption

An Act Requiring Three-point Lap And Shoulder Seat Safety Belts For School Buses.

Impact

The introduction of three-point safety belts in school buses is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning vehicular safety and student protection. By setting a requirement for safety belts, the bill will not only raise the safety standards for school buses but also improve the accountability of school districts in transporting students. Local and regional school districts will need to comply with this mandate, which could involve additional costs for bus upgrades and maintenance, thus potentially influencing budget allocations for transportation services across districts.

Summary

House Bill 05178 aims to enhance the safety of student transportation by mandating that all new school buses manufactured in 2022 or later be equipped with three-point lap and shoulder seat safety belts for each seating position. This regulation seeks to address safety concerns related to the lack of restraints in school buses, an area that has been highlighted in discussions around child passenger safety. The bill's provisions assure that school buses will be held to higher safety standards, thereby aligning school transportation with contemporary safety practices used in personal vehicles.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 05178 appears to be predominantly positive among safety advocates and parents, who argue for the necessity of seat belts in school buses to ensure child safety during transportation. However, some opposition may arise from budget-conscious stakeholders who express concerns over the financial implications of implementing these requirements, particularly related to the retrofitting of older buses to meet compliance standards.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the liability structure outlined in the bill. While the bill affords a degree of legal immunity to school districts and bus operators from damages in cases of misuse of seat belts by students, there is debate on whether this could create discouragement for enforcing proper seat belt use among students. Critics argue that while the provision aims to alleviate liability concerns, it might undermine the effectiveness of the law if not accompanied by direct accountability measures for educating students on the proper use of seat belts.