MS SB2562

School buses purchased new after July 1, 2011 that transport public school students in grades prekindergarten through 12 must be equipped with three-point lap/shoulder seat belts meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards.

State Board of Education must adopt policies, guidelines, rules and regulations requiring all passengers and drivers to wear seat belts whenever the bus is in motion.

School bus drivers cannot be held personally liable for failure of passengers to wear safety belts as required by board regulations.

State Board of Education authorized to promulgate rules and regulations requiring seat belt usage by all passengers and drivers in public school buses equipped with seat belts.

Effective date is July 1, 2011.