School Bus Safety Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Cohen
In Committee
Summary
Requires 3-point seat belts and modern safety systems on school buses. This bill would push the Department of Transportation to set rules that add 3-point belts, stronger fire and flammability protections, and crash-avoidance equipment to school buses.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Bus sensors to detect kids nearby
If enacted, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would study motion-activated sensors for school buses within two years. The study would cover systems that detect people and bikes near the bus and alert the driver. Within one year after the study, the agency would issue rules to require these systems on new or imported buses.
New safety rules for school buses
If enacted, the Transportation Secretary would issue new school bus safety rules within one year. Buses over 10,000 pounds would need a 3-point belt at every seat. Buses would need engine fire suppression and stronger firewalls to block hazardous gas or flame. Interiors would need fire and smoke standards at least as strict as transport airplane and passenger rail rules. The rules would apply to buses made or imported after the rule’s effective date.
Grants to buy safer school buses
If enacted, the Department of Transportation would set up a grant program within one year. States could give school districts funds to buy buses with 3-point belts or other safety gear. Districts could also retrofit existing buses. Funding would depend on future appropriations.
Study seat-belt reminders on buses
If enacted, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would study seat-belt reminder systems within two years. The study would look at alerts that tell the driver when a rider is not buckled. It could inform later rules, but it would not require equipment by itself.
Defines terms for bus safety gear
If enacted, the bill would define key safety terms to keep rules clear. It would point to existing federal rules for 3-point belts, automatic emergency braking, and event data recorders. It would also define what counts as a school bus and who the Secretary is. These definitions would guide what gear and buses the rules cover.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cohen
TN • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3]
MN • D
Sponsored 4/20/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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