2019 -- S 0113

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LC000689

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES –- MISCELLANEOUS RULES

     Introduced By: Senators Gallo, Satchell, Sheehan, and Archambault

     Date Introduced: January 24, 2019

     Referred To: Senate Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 31-22 of the General Laws entitled "Miscellaneous Rules" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     31-22-11.10. Safety belts in school buses.

     (a) Every new school bus purchased or leased on or after January 1, 2021, for use in the

state shall be equipped with a combination pelvic and upper torso 3-point passenger seat belt

system for the operator and each passenger seat.

     (b) Each school district shall prepare a plan for the implementation and use of 3-point

seat belts including:

     (1) Training on the proper securement and adjustment of 3-point seat belts;

     (2) Communicated policy requiring usage and consequences for non-usage;

     (3) Evacuation drills with unbuckling exercises in case of emergency;

     (4) Training in service and maintenance of seats and 3-point seat belts;

     (5) Said plan shall be approved by the commissioner of the state department of education

and shall be in effect commencing January 1, 2021.

     (c) Each plan submitted to the commissioner in accordance with subsection (b) of this

section shall require each school district to prioritize the allocation of buses equipped with 3-point

seat belt systems to ensure that elementary schools within the district and sports teams and field

trips receive first priority.

     (d) Each plan shall require that each passenger on a school bus that is equipped with 3-

point seat belt systems shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened 3-point seat belt systems at all

times while the bus is in operation. The plan shall also indicate the manner by which each school

district shall enforce compliance with this requirement.

     (e) The state, any city or town, any school district, any school bus operator whether or not

under contract with a school district, or an agent or employee of a school district or operator,

including a teacher or volunteer serving as a chaperone, shall not be liable for any claim arising

out of a violation or the implementation or any other provision of this chapter including, but not

limited to, injury to a school bus passenger solely because the injured party was not wearing a

safety belt or for an injury caused solely by another passenger’s use or nonuse of a safety belt or

restraint system in dangerous or unsafe manner.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES –- MISCELLANEOUS RULES

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     This act would require all new school buses purchased/leased on or after January 1, 2021,

be equipped with a 3-point seat belt system for the operator/passenger seats and requires school

districts to prepare implementation, use and compliance plans.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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