Motor Vehicles - School Buses - Seat Belts

SB 498 requires Maryland public schools to include school bus safety and seat belt use in their safety education programs. It mandates that all new school buses purchased on or after July 1, 2027, and registered in Maryland must have 3-point seat belts for every seat. The bill also prohibits civil lawsuits against school bus operators for passengers not wearing seat belts. These changes directly affect schools, bus operators, and students by updating safety requirements and legal protections.