AR HB1002

School buses purchased new or leased on or after January 1, 2018, must be equipped with passenger restraint systems (seat belts) in sufficient numbers for each student, if funding is provided.

Students transported on school buses equipped with passenger restraint systems must wear them at all times while the bus is in motion, with exemptions for medical conditions certified by a licensed physician or chiropractor and emergency situations.

School districts can implement disciplinary policies to enforce seat belt use by students on equipped buses.

If at least 10% of a school district's qualified electors petition for seat belt equipment, the district must propose an additional annual property tax to fund purchasing, installing, and maintaining the restraint systems and developing an instructional program.

School districts may alternatively fund restraint systems using foundation funding, other available funds, gifts, grants, or donations without requiring a tax levy.