MT HB512

New school buses purchased for use in Montana must comply with bus standards established by the Board of Public Education, including lap-shoulder belt requirements

School districts using buses with lap-shoulder belts must adopt an enforceable, publicly available usage policy, require all passengers to use the belts, and ensure proper maintenance

Governmental entities, school districts, contractors, and drivers are shielded from liability when passengers fail to use or improperly use lap-shoulder belts, provided a usage policy exists; liability remains for broken or improperly maintained belts

School buses equipped with lap-shoulder belts receive a 10% reduction in annual registration fees, and costs for outfitting buses with these belts are excluded from the 12% cap on transportation contract cost increases

Effective July 1, 2025, applying to school years beginning on or after that date; requires two-thirds legislative vote for passage due to governmental liability limitations