hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Requires proposed rules for seat belts on new school buses.
Senator Booker introduced this bill in the Senate.
Introduced in the Senate, no vote yet.
This bill, introduced by Senator Booker, directs the Secretary of Transportation to propose new federal standards for seat belts on all new school buses. The proposal would consider specific safety features and existing state experiences. Currently, the bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to a committee, meaning it is still in the very early stages of the legislative process.
Introduced Feb 9, 2026
This bill was introduced in the Senate on February 9, 2026, by Senator Booker and has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. For it to become law, the committee must approve it, then it needs to pass a vote in the full Senate, then pass the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President.
If this bill becomes law, the Secretary of Transportation would be required to develop new standards for seat belts specifically for *new* school buses. This means that over time, as school districts purchase new vehicles, you might see school buses equipped with lap/shoulder belts (also known as Type 2 seat belts) instead of just lap belts or no belts. School bus manufacturers would need to incorporate these new designs, potentially including advanced seat belt detection and reminder systems. The goal is to enhance the safety features on future school buses carrying children.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue that lap/shoulder belts significantly improve safety by reducing injuries during accidents.
Critics Say
Arguments from critics are not mentioned in the bill text.
The bill itself cites findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and a statement from a former National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator, both emphasizing the superior protection offered by lap/shoulder belts for school bus passengers. These bodies highlight that these types of belts can reduce injuries from upper body flailing during a crash. The bill text does not present any opposing arguments or criticisms regarding these potential new standards.