The bill aims to enhance safety measures in school transportation by mandating the use of passenger restraint systems in school buses. It introduces a provision that requires school districts to either place a proposal for these systems on the ballot during the next school election or to purchase, install, and maintain such systems. If a school district fails to comply with these requirements, the bill stipulates that state transportation funding allocated to that district will be withheld until they take the necessary actions.

Specifically, the bill amends Arkansas Code 6-19-130 by adding a new subsection (g), which outlines the conditions under which funding will be withheld. This legislative change emphasizes the importance of passenger safety in school buses and holds districts accountable for implementing restraint systems, thereby ensuring that all newly purchased school buses are equipped with these safety features.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1536 Original - 2-20-2025 09:18 AM: 6-19-130
Old version HB1536 V2 - 3-11-2025 02:35 PM: 6-19-130
Old version HB1536 V3 - 3-17-2025 10:04 AM: 6-19-130
HB 1536: 6-19-130