OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 5033

AN ACT REQUIRING SCHOOL BUSES TO BE EQUIPPED WITH SEAT SAFETY BELTS.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires school buses to be equipped with lap/shoulder, or 3-point, seat belts, starting with the 2012 model year. Three-point seat belts consist of a lap belt, plus an adjustable sash that goes over the shoulder, made of one single continuous length of webbing.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2010

BACKGROUND

Federal Requirements

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations require seat belts on school buses whose fully loaded weight is less than 10,000 pounds (small school buses) but do not require them on buses weighing 10,000 pounds or more (large school buses) (49 CFR 571. 222). NHTSA leaves the decision on whether to require seat belts on large school buses to individual states.

In 2009, NHTSA upgraded its school bus seat belt requirements to require that small school buses have 3-point, rather than lap belts, and setting performance standards for 3-point belts voluntarily installed in large school buses. These requirements apply to buses manufactured on and after October 21, 2011.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Transportation Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute