Connecticut 2024 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00185

Introduced
2/21/24  
Introduced
2/21/24  
Report Pass
3/18/24  
Refer
2/21/24  
Refer
3/26/24  
Report Pass
3/18/24  
Report Pass
3/18/24  
Report Pass
4/3/24  
Refer
3/26/24  
Refer
3/26/24  
Report Pass
4/3/24  

Caption

An Act Concerning School Buses Equipped With Seat Safety Belts.

Impact

The bill is poised to have a considerable impact on state laws regarding transportation and safety requirements in education. By mandating that school buses have seat safety belts, the legislation emphasizes the state's commitment to ensuring student safety while traveling. Moreover, it encourages financial investment in safer transportation options and provides districts with the means to meet this requirement through fiscal assistance. The anticipation of increased compliance with safety protocols is a significant point of focus within the education and transportation sectors.

Summary

Senate Bill 185 aims to improve the safety of school transportation by promoting the purchase of school buses equipped with seat safety belts. The bill calls for the establishment of a funding program managed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to provide financial aid that offsets part of the sales tax incurred when purchasing these specially equipped buses. This initiative, planned to take effect on October 1, 2024, will involve local and regional school districts submitting applications to receive 50% reimbursement for the sales tax on qualifying bus purchases. The program seeks to enhance compliance with safety measures for transporting school children.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SB 185 appears to be largely positive, particularly among proponents of student safety and transportation advocates. Many stakeholders view the bill as a critical step towards modernizing school transportation and improving safety standards for children. However, there could be opposing views raised about the financial burden on school districts to procure such buses initially, despite the reimbursement program. Therefore, while the intent is applauded, some concerns about implementation and efficacy might emerge during discussions.

Contention

Key points of contention in discussions regarding SB 185 may center around the extent to which the funding program will adequately support all local districts, particularly those with tighter budgets. Some legislators have voiced concerns about the long-term viability of the funding sources for this initiative, questioning how effectively the DMV can manage the reimbursement system. Additionally, questions could arise around liability issues, as the bill stipulates that districts, carriers, and bus operators would not be liable for injuries resulting from students' use or misuse of seat belts, indicating potential risks associated with accountability in implementing this program.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05033

An Act Providing A Partial Refund Of The Sales Tax Imposed On The Sale Of School Buses Equipped By The Manufacturer With Seat Safety Belts.

CT HB05462

An Act Requiring The Installation Of Seat Safety Belts On School Buses.

CT HB313

Public school buses; new buses to be equipped with seat belts.

CT HB05178

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

CT HB344

Require new school buses to be equipped with lap-shoulder belts

CT HB1268

Seat belts on school buses.

CT HB512

Require seat belts on newly purchased school buses

CT HB134

Motor Vehicles - School Buses - Seat Belts

CT SB498

Motor Vehicles - School Buses - Seat Belts

CT HB196

Motor Vehicles - School Buses - Seat Belts

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.