COLUMBUS, Ohio – A bill aimed at enhancing school bus safety by requiring seat belts for all passengers has been reintroduced in the Ohio House of Representatives. Known as the School Bus Safety Act, House Bill 279 would mandate that every school bus purchased, owned, or leased in Ohio within five years of the bill’s effective date be equipped with seat belts for every student.
The bill, sponsored by Representatives Bernard Willis and Richard Brown, is currently under review by the House Transportation Committee. On November 20, the committee reported a substitute version of the bill and re-referred it to the Rules and Reference Committee for further evaluation.
Key Provisions of the School Bus Safety Act
- Seat Belts Required: All newly acquired school buses must feature seat belts for each passenger within five years of the law’s enactment.
- Enforcement: The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be responsible for ensuring compliance as part of its regular school bus inspections.
- Applies Broadly: The requirement extends to all schools, including public, private, community, and STEM schools, as well as joint vocational districts.
Support for the Bill
Advocates of the bill emphasize the safety benefits of seat belts in reducing injuries during school bus accidents. Recent data from the National Transportation Safety Board underscores the life-saving potential of seat belts, and several states, including California, New Jersey, and Texas, have enacted similar measures.
Local school officials in Chillicothe have expressed cautious optimism about the bill. “Student safety is always a priority,” said a representative of the Ross County School District. “While implementing seat belts would be a significant change, it could bring peace of mind to parents and improve overall safety.”
Funding and Implementation Challenges
While the bill outlines a clear mandate, concerns about funding remain. Retrofitting existing buses with seat belts or purchasing new vehicles that meet the requirement could strain school district budgets. Proponents argue that state funding or federal grants may help offset the costs, though no specific financial support has been allocated in the current draft.
National Context
The School Bus Safety Act aligns with the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations, which advocate for passenger seat belts on all school buses regardless of size. Federal law requires seat belts only on smaller school buses (under 10,000 pounds), leaving larger buses exempt unless state laws mandate otherwise. Ohio’s proposed legislation would exceed federal requirements, joining nine other states that have taken similar steps.
What’s Next for the Bill?
The bill is still in its early stages, with a 25% progression toward becoming law. Pending approval by the House Transportation Committee and Rules and Reference Committee, it will move to the full House for a vote. If passed, the legislation will bring Ohio closer to adopting stricter safety standards for school buses.
For families and communities in Chillicothe, the bill represents a potential milestone in student safety. As discussions continue, local stakeholders are encouraged to voice their perspectives to ensure the legislation addresses both safety concerns and practical challenges.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the School Bus Safety Act makes its way through the legislative process.