NATIONAL COALITION OF SCHOOL BUS SAFETY NEWS UP TO DEC. 2003

PRESS RELEASE

Florida Legislature will require seatbelts on school buses
Friday April 30, 1999

Florida state lawmakers voted 114 to 4 to pass House Bill #21 that requires all new public school buses purchased after December 31, 2000 to be equipped with 28 inch-high seat backs and seat belts in all passenger positions.  The law will also require seatbelt use.

Florida joins the ranks of New York and New Jersey that already have similar requirements.  There are also over 300 communities outside of these states that have mandated seatbelts for their school buses.  The National PTA (Parent Teacher Association) supports seatbelts on school buses.  The PTA passed a resolution at their last convention to encourage all PTA members to push for safer school buses with seatbelts.

This year, over 31 states have considered legislation to require seatbelts on school buses.   A strong and well funded industry lobby has succeeded in de-railing most of these initiatives.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Contact:
Mary Lynn Cullen or David Cullen, Co-Chairs Florida Chapter NCSBS
941 351-6595

Dr Alan L. Ross, Pres. National Coalition for School Bus Safety
860 567-2030

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