March 2nd, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Recently Maryland lawmakers heard testimony on a bill that would require school buses purchased after Oct. 1, 2024, to be equipped with seat belts.

In addition to the revamped buses, the bill would require all buses purchased prior to Oct. 1, 2024, to be retrofitted to include seat belts.

Only eight states require seat belts on school buses.

In the case that the school bus does not have a seat belt accessible to all passengers, the driver would be prohibited from operating the vehicle.

According to the Maryland State Department of Education, new school buses that have seat belts installed for every passenger are approximately $10,000 more expensive than those without them.