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HB 1536

TO WITHHOLD STATE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FROM A SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS IN SCHOOL BUSES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark McElroy and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1536 aimed to enhance student safety by requiring passenger restraint systems in school buses, threatening to withhold 25% of state funding for non-compliance.

Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1536

Summary of House Bill 1536

Bill Number: HB 1536
Title: To Withhold State Transportation Funding from a School District That Does Not Require Passenger Restraint Systems in School Buses Under Certain Conditions
Status: Died in House at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1536 aimed to enhance student safety on school buses by mandating the implementation of passenger restraint systems. The bill proposed a financial consequence for school districts that failed to comply with this requirement, specifically by withholding a portion of their state transportation funding.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Arkansas Code § 6-19-130: The bill sought to add a new subsection that would require school districts to either:

    • Place a proposal on the ballot for the next school election to adopt passenger restraint systems.
    • Purchase, install, and maintain passenger restraint systems in all newly purchased school buses.

  • Funding Withholding: If a school district did not take action as specified above, 25% of its state transportation funding would be withheld until compliance was achieved.

Affected Parties

  • School Districts: The primary entities affected by this legislation would be school districts across Arkansas. They would need to either implement the required safety measures or face financial penalties.

  • Students: The bill's intent was to improve safety for students who travel on school buses, thereby potentially reducing injuries in the event of accidents.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • February 20, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • February 26, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • March 11, 2025: Two amendments were adopted to refine the bill's language and provisions.
  • March 19, 2025: The bill was read a third time in the Senate but failed to pass.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill ultimately died in the House at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1536 represented an effort to prioritize student safety in Arkansas by enforcing the use of passenger restraint systems in school buses. Despite its introduction and amendments, the bill did not progress through the legislative process and ultimately did not become law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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