Right now, the bill is sitting with the Transportation Committee, where a similar bill, introduced last year by Representative Bristol languished without a hearing. I think the genesis of my interest was the concern of some of my constituents. There is some difference of opinion as to whether it's a good thing. Having kids loose in the bus should an accident occur could be dangerous. Absolutely anything could be used as a weapon.
Many parents complain about the difficulty of maintaining order on school buses.
I suspect if the committee schedules a hearing, they will hear from a lot of people. In 1997, seat belt bills were introduced in 16 states. None were passed. The debate surrounding seat belts on school buses is huge and ongoing, with stealthy opponents and proponents. On one side stand organizations including the American Medical Association, National Paretn Teacher Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, who recommend the use of belts on buses.