H.R.1828 - School Bus Safety Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1828, the School Bus Safety Act of 2025, aims to enhance the safety of school buses by directing the Secretary of Transportation to issue rules requiring new safety equipment. This includes 3-point safety belts, automatic emergency braking systems, event data recorders, and fire suppression systems. The bill also mandates studies on motion-activated detection systems and safety belt alerts, and establishes a grant program to assist local educational agencies in purchasing and modifying school buses with these safety features.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to increased safety for students riding school buses through mandated safety equipment and enhanced driver training. It could also result in increased costs for school districts due to the purchase and installation of new equipment. The studies mandated by the bill could lead to further safety regulations in the future.
Potential Benefits
- Increased safety for school children through mandatory safety equipment.
- Potential reduction in injuries and fatalities related to school bus accidents.
- Creation of jobs in the manufacturing and installation of safety equipment.
- Improved driver training standards for school bus operators.
- Grant program to assist local educational agencies in affording safety upgrades.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for school districts, potentially diverting funds from other educational programs.
- Potential delays in school bus routes due to the installation of new equipment.
- Possible resistance from school districts due to the unfunded mandates.
- The effectiveness of some of the mandated technologies may vary depending on the specific circumstances.
- The one-year timeframe for implementation may be challenging for manufacturers and school districts.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to promote the safety and well-being of school children. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) provides Congress with the power to regulate interstate commerce, which includes the manufacturing and transportation of school buses. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but the federal government can incentivize states to adopt certain policies through grant programs, as outlined in Section 5 of the bill.
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).