BILL 693 HEADED TO GOVENOR’S DESK MAY CHANGE BUS SEATBELT REQUIREMENTS

  

In 2015, a vehicle hit struck a Houston ISD school bus traveling on a 610 overpass and sent it flying off. Two students were severely injured, and two others were killed.

Sheanine Chatman, the mother of one of the students, 14 year old Janecia, who was killed, took her story to Austin where State Senator Sylvia Garcia, a Democratic rep of Houston, crafted Senate Bill 693.

The bill will require 3-point seatbelts in school buses.

Lawmakers had previously passed a similar bill in 2007, with Governor Rick Perry signing it in to law. However, that bill was reliant on State funding, and grant money was set aside. Few districts ever applied for it, as it required they purchase new buses rather than repair their old ones.

Garcia noted “We’re not asking them to spend more money,” with the new bill. This one, rather, will ask for wiser spending.

The bill does permit districts to opt out of purchases buses equipped with the seatbelts if they can’t afford it, and if the Governor signs it this summer, it will be effective come next school year.