HB512

Require seat belts on newly purchased school buses

Chamber Passed·4/5/25

Montana HB512 requires new school buses purchased after January 1, 2026, to be equipped with lap-shoulder belts, limits liability for non-use or.

Montana HB512 mandates that any new school bus purchased on or after January 1, 2026, must be equipped with lap-shoulder belts for each passenger. It limits the liability of the state, county, school district, bus contractors, and drivers if a passenger is injured due to non-use or improper use of the belt, provided the school has an enforceable belt usage policy. The bill also revises school bus rate capacity requirements and reduces certain registration fees for buses equipped with lap-shoulder belts. It applies to school years beginning on or after July 1, 2025.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the House · 14–0 · Apr 5, 2025
Current
The Senate
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

14 Yea

DRRRDRRRDRDRDR

0 Nay

Calendar

Apr 17, 2025

3:00 PM

Senate Education and Cultural Resources Hearing

Apr 15, 2025

3:00 PM

Senate Education and Cultural Resources Hearing

History

Apr 15, 2025

Senate

(S) Hearing Canceled (S) Education and Cultural Resources

Apr 15, 2025

Senate

(S) Tabled in Committee (S) Education and Cultural Resources

Apr 14, 2025

Senate

(S) Hearing (S) Education and Cultural Resources