MS HB187

Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules and regulations ensuring all passengers and drivers wear seat belts on school buses equipped with them.

Mandates all school districts equip buses with properly designed seat belts during the 2014-2015 school year and requires any buses purchased after July 1, 2014, to have seat belts at time of purchase.

Requires all school buses purchased new after July 1, 2014, that transport public school students in grades pre-K through 12 to be equipped with three-point lap/shoulder belts meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Protects school bus drivers from personal liability for passenger failure to wear seat belts as required by board rules and regulations.

Effective date is July 1, 2014.