44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

REQUESTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF INSTALLING SEAT BELTS ON ALL SCHOOL BUSES AND INSTALLING AIR CONDITIONING IN THOSE BUSES THAT TRANSPORT MEDICALLY FRAGILE STUDENTS.

WHEREAS, the injury rate in school bus accidents has increased; and

WHEREAS, research indicates that high-backed padded seats and seat belts together improve overall bus passenger safety by providing true compartmentalization in accidents, especially side impacts and rollovers; and

WHEREAS, the use of seat belts on school buses can reinforce the message to children that restraints should be used in family cars; and

WHEREAS, students who are properly belted in are less distracting to the school bus drivers; and

WHEREAS, a large school bus of sixty-six passengers can be equipped with seat belts for a minimal dollar amount; and

WHEREAS, the comfort of medically fragile students would be greatly enhanced with an air-conditioned environment;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education be requested to study the accident and injury rate on school buses and establish cost-effective recommendations to improve the safety of and reduce the risk of serious injury to New Mexico's students, including the installation of seat belts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state department of public education also be requested to study the issue of providing air conditioning in buses that transport medically fragile students to and from school and research other options available to reduce the ambient air temperature inside school buses; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state department of public education report its findings and recommendations to the legislative education study committee by November 1, 1999; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the superintendent of public instruction and the legislative education study committee.