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119-hr-7428119th CongressWALLET

SECURES Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

In Committee

Summary

**This bill would require the Secretary of Transportation to start rulemaking within 180 days to propose new federal standards requiring *seat belts on all new school buses*.** The rulemaking must consider five factors: the safety benefits of lap/shoulder three-point belts, the National Transportation Safety Board’s conclusion that lap/shoulder belts offer the highest protection while properly worn lap belts offer some benefit, a 2015 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration administrator statement urging three-point belts for every child, innovations like belt-detection and reminder systems, and State experience with required belts.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New school bus seat belt rules

This bill would require the Transportation Secretary to publish a proposed rule within 180 days of enactment to set Federal seat belt standards for all new school buses, regardless of weight. The proposal would have to consider lap/shoulder (three-point) seat belts, NTSB and NHTSA findings, seat belt detection and reminder systems, and State experience. If adopted, bus makers and school districts could need new equipment, and students and their families could see improved safety.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

NJ • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 2/9/2026

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 2/11/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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