Transportation Committee Renews Debate Over Seat Belts On School Buses

HARTFORD, CT — Proponents of legislation requiring seat belts on Connecticut school buses are trying again to get the measure passed this year.

It isn’t a new idea — it’s been raised in past years, but cost concerns have stopped it from ever reaching the governor’s desk for his signature.

On Monday, the Transportation Committee held a public hearing on proposed legislation that would require all school buses to be equipped with three-point lap and shoulder safety belts. The bill, H.B. 5178, was introduced by Rep. Fred Camillo, R-Greenwich.

Proponents note that the National Transportation Safety Board in 2015, after previously taking the position that safety belts on school buses were not a good idea, reversed its position, and since then have consistently stated installing the belts prevent injuries and save lives.

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