Secure Every Child Under the Right Equipment Standards Act of 2026; SECURES Act of 2026
Summary
The SECURES Act of 2026 mandates the Secretary of Transportation to initiate a rulemaking process regarding federal standards for seat belts on all new school buses, irrespective of their gross vehicle weight rating. This process must begin within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The Act emphasizes the consideration of lap/shoulder belt systems and innovative seat belt technologies.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be a potential change in federal regulations regarding school bus safety standards. This could lead to all new school buses being equipped with seat belts. The rulemaking process will also explore incorporating advanced seat belt technologies.
Potential Benefits
- Increased safety for children riding school buses.
- Potential reduction in injuries during school bus accidents.
- Adoption of innovative seat belt technologies in school buses.
- Alignment with recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board.
- Standardization of school bus safety features across all states.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased cost of new school buses due to the addition of seat belts.
- Potential delays in school bus manufacturing and delivery.
- Possible challenges in enforcing seat belt usage among students.
- Retrofitting existing school buses may be cost-prohibitive.
- Potential for increased maintenance costs associated with seat belt systems.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The SECURES Act of 2026 appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the implied power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8). The Act aims to improve the safety of school buses, which falls under the purview of transportation and affects interstate travel. There are no apparent infringements on individual liberties or rights as defined by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).