School Bus Safety Act of 2023

The School Bus Safety Act of 2023 requires school buses with a gross vehicle weight over 10,000 pounds to include 3-point seat belts at every seating position, fire suppression systems for engine fires, and safety technology like automatic emergency braking and event data recorders. It also mandates 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training for school bus drivers and creates a grant program to help schools purchase or retrofit buses with these safety features. The rules apply to new buses manufactured within one year of final regulations being issued. This directly affects students riding school buses and school districts responsible for bus safety and procurement.