SPRINGFIELD — In response to traffic accidents that have endangered the lives of students, staff and drivers, State Senator Julie Morrison is leading legislation to require seat belts in newly purchased school buses.

“We teach children at a young age the importance of buckling their seat belt when getting into a car,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “With many students riding a school bus several times a week, a seat belt is one more layer of protection.”

Under Senate Bill 191, all school buses purchased or leased after July 1, 2031 would be required to have seat belts on all seats. Current law requires drivers and passengers ages 8 and older to wear seat belts in passenger vehicles, but there is no law requiring safety belts on buses. If the measure passes, Illinois would join nine other states requiring seat belts on buses.

The measure comes in response to a school bus crash in which parents in Morrison’s district expressed concerns for their children’s safety. The bill would not require bus drivers or other staff to ensure the seat belts are fastened, nor would it require schools to retrofit existing buses.

“Knowing their children are buckled in for their daily commute can give parents greater peace of mind,” said Morrison. “School buses are already engineered for safety, but additional features can make them even safer.”

Senate Bill 191 passed the Senate on April 30.