NATIONAL COALITION OF SCHOOL BUS SAFETY NEWS 2006

Missouri Moves Ahead

COLUMBIA, MO (February 8, 2006)

Missouri legislators are debating a bill that would implement 3-point lap/shoulder belts on all newly  purchased school buses by Jan. 1, 2007.

House Bill 1674, introduced by Rep. Tim Flook on Feb. 6 and co-sponsored by Rep. Sam Page, would add a $15 surcharge to all motor vehicle moving violations statewide and establish the School Bus Safety Awareness Fund.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education would manage the fund.

Tom Quinn, the state's director of school governance and the de-facto state director of pupil transportation, said the education department will be required to add a fiscal note to the bill.

The bill goes on to say school districts with higher enrollments would be eligible to receive a larger distribution of money. Elementary routes would be given first priority to be equipped with the lap/shoulder belts.

HB 1674 excludes publicly-run utility buses, buses engaged in charter service for field trips or passengers cars from complying with the seat belt regulations. Students would be required to be transported in designated seats and would be required to wear properly adjusted and fastened safety restraints at all times while the school bus is in operation. The bill does not hold liable the state, the county, school district, a contracted school bus operator, or agent or employee of the school (including teacher or chaperone) in the event of injury because the restraint was not worn or was misused.

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