House Bill No. [insert bill number] mandates that all new school buses purchased in Montana must comply with bus standards established by the Board of Public Education, specifically requiring the installation of lap-shoulder belts for each passenger. The bill outlines that school districts must adopt a publicly available policy enforcing the use of these lap-shoulder belts and ensures their proper maintenance. It also limits liability for school districts and associated parties in cases where injuries occur due to improper use of the belts by passengers, provided that the district has an enforceable policy in place. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for bid letting requirements related to school bus transportation contracts and revises definitions and registration fees for buses equipped with lap-shoulder belts.

The bill also introduces a reduction in registration fees for school buses equipped with lap-shoulder belts and clarifies that differential costs associated with outfitting buses with these safety features are not subject to the 12% limit on contract costs. Furthermore, it specifies that the maximum rated capacity for school buses cannot exceed the manufacturer's specifications. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to school years beginning on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-10-101, 20-10-125, 20-10-141, 61-3-529, 61-9-421
HB0512_1(1): 20-10-101, 20-10-125, 20-10-141, 61-3-529, 61-9-421
HB0512_1: 20-10-101, 20-10-125, 20-10-141, 61-3-529, 61-9-421
HB0512_2(1): 20-10-101, 20-10-125, 20-10-141, 61-3-529, 61-9-421
HB0512_2(2): 20-10-101, 20-10-125, 20-10-141, 61-3-529, 61-9-421
HB0512_2(3): 20-10-101, 20-10-125, 20-10-141, 61-3-529, 61-9-421
HB0512_2(4): 20-10-101, 20-10-125, 20-10-141, 61-3-529, 61-9-421
HB0512_2: 20-10-101, 20-10-125, 20-10-141, 61-3-529, 61-9-421