LAWTON, Okla. — A new bill filed by an Oklahoma lawmaker aims to make the journey to and from school safer for students across the state by requiring all school buses to be equipped with seatbelts or harnesses.
The proposed legislation comes in response to growing concerns over school bus safety nationwide. Several other states have already implemented similar measures, pushing for the installation of seatbelts on school buses as part of a broader effort to enhance safety features for student transportation.
If the bill is passed, it would mandate that all newly purchased school buses, effective July 1, include seatbelts or harnesses for students. The law would go into effect before the start of the 2025-2026 school year, impacting buses bought from that point onward.
Proponents of the bill argue that seatbelts can reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident, offering added protection for students who spend a significant amount of time traveling to and from school each day. Critics, however, have questioned the cost of retrofitting older buses or outfitting every new bus with such equipment.
As the bill continues through the legislative process, discussions are expected to focus on both the potential benefits to student safety and the financial considerations for school districts.
For now, the proposed legislation signals a growing effort across the country to prioritize the safety of students during their daily commutes.
