By Bob Katzen

Another proposal heard by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee would require that, effective July 1, 2026, every school bus transporting students to or from a public, vocational, private or parochial school be equipped with a seatbelt for each permanent seating accommodation.

The bill permits a municipality to enact an earlier implementation date. It also prohibits lawsuits against cities and towns based on the failure of a school bus operator, school or municipality to ensure a passenger was wearing the restraint.

“Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children throughout the commonwealth is one of my top priorities,” said sponsor Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). “This commonsense proposal will protect countless kids on their way to and from school each day without placing any significant financial burdens on our school districts.”