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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to SB 15

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Public Education (SDE)

Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Taxation and Revenue Department (TRD)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 696 amends the Motor Vehicle Code to require all public school buses manufactured on or after January 1, 1997 to have seat belts installed on each permanent seat.

Significant Issues

According to SDE, school buses manufactured after 1997 are equipped with the proper reinforced seat frames that are suitable for safety belt installation.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

This bill appropriates $643.0 from the general fund to SDE for expenditure in fiscal year 2000 to install safety belts on school buses. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2000 shall revert to the general fund.

The State Department of Education estimates the cost to install seat belts, including labor, on school buses statewide would be approximately $643.2.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The State Board of Education will need to amend the regulation regarding school bus construction standards and inspection requirements.

SDE staff will be responsible for distributing the funds to school districts for seat belt installation and will verify that the proper seat belts are installed.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

SDE indicates that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is in the process of an extensive 2-year research program to consider alternative methods for improving school bus passenger crash protection requirements. This study may also address recommendations for safety belts in school buses.

CTF/njw