SB 3985

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Requires a public or private school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity operating a school bus to provide written or verbal instruction concerning the availability and correct use of seat safety belts to student passengers and their parents or legal guardians at least 2 times per calendar or school year. Requires a driver or aide to provide a verbal or posted reminder to all passengers to fasten their seat safety belts properly before the bus begins to move prior to the start of each trip. Provides that a public or private school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity operating a school bus shall not be liable for a passenger's failure to correctly adjust and fasten a seat safety belt or other restraint system. Provides that no public or private school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity operating a school bus shall be liable for damages for injury resulting solely from a passenger's use, misuse, or failure to use a seat safety belt installed on a school bus. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, if a school bus has one or more designated passenger seating positions equipped with a seat safety belt system, the seats shall be prioritized for use and the seat safety belt worn correctly by the passengers of the bus. Provides that a public or private school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity operating a school bus shall instruct passengers on the correct use of seat safety belt systems. Provides that when operating other vehicles not defined as a school bus, the public or private school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity transporting children must adhere to the occupant restraint requirements of the Child Passenger Protection Act. Provides that, under certain circumstances, a public or private school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity operating a school bus shall not be charged for a violation requiring a passenger to use a seat safety belt system if a passenger on the school bus fails to use or incorrectly uses the seat belt system. Effective immediately.