Illinois bill requiring seat belts on school buses heads to House floor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House Education Policy Committee unanimously approved a bill Wednesday to require seat belts for all new Illinois school buses.

This legislation could mandate that any school buses manufactured in Illinois have three point seat belts starting in 2031.

Sponsors said this change is solely about student safety, as Democrats and Republicans want children to come and go from school safely.

"This is really the standard for every new bus today that is being manufactured," said Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Highland Park). "So, this really should not be any difficulty for school districts. In fact, school districts might not have a choice as we go in this direction that manufacturers are already including this in every bus that's being manufactured."

The bill would grandfather in any school buses purchased before 2031.

Senate Bill 191 now heads to the House floor for further consideration. The measure passed out of the Senate on a 39-13 vote last week.

"Knowing their children are buckled in for their daily commute can give parents greater peace of mind," said Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). "School buses are already engineered for safety, but additional features can make them even safer."