VEH CD-SCHOOL BUS-SEAT BELTS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a school district or a school bus company under contract with a school district shall not operate a Type I or Type II school bus manufactured after the effective date of the amendatory Act unless the bus is equipped with a set of 3-point seat belts or any other federally approved restraint system in good operating condition for each passenger seat and a rooftop safety hatch. Provides that, on or after January 1, 2028, all newly purchased school buses shall be equipped with 3-point seat belts or any other federally approved restraint system in good operating condition for each passenger. Provides that the provision shall not apply to a school bus that is legally registered in another state and displaying valid registration plates of that state if the bus is not operated in Illinois on a regular basis and the bus is operated in Illinois in connection with a cultural, tourist, athletic, or other similar activity for students enrolled in a school located outside of the State. Provides that nothing in the provision shall make a school district or a school bus company liable for a passenger's failure to properly adjust or fasten a seat belt or other restraint system. Effective immediately.