Require occupant restraining devices on all school buses

HB 279 establishes a grant program to help school districts upgrade their buses with safety features such as cameras, warning lights, and seat belts. The bill creates a dedicated fund financed by general appropriations and fines to pay for these upgrades and public education campaigns. Eligible school districts can apply for money to install new safety equipment, replace broken parts, or add features to new buses. The legislation also includes administrative rules for how the grants are awarded and spent, ensuring funds are used strictly for approved safety improvements within a two-year window.