Trustees Must Act on School Bus Seat Belt Requirements by May 29

Texas school boards have a key compliance deadline approaching under Senate Bill 546, which requires board action related to three-point seat belts on school buses. Districts must complete all required steps, and submit reporting if applicable, by May 29, 2026. 

SB 546, passed during the 89th Legislative Session, removes previous exceptions for older buses and requires districts to ensure buses are equipped with three-point seat belts — unless the board determines the district’s budget does not permit compliance or retrofitting would void a warranty. 

“Trustees should ensure they have clear information on both safety requirements and costs so they can make decisions that reflect their district’s needs,” said Amanda Bigbee, division director of TASB Policy Service. “Compliance requires formal board action and documentation, and following each step carefully helps ensure districts meet legal requirements.” 

What Boards Must Do 

Before May 29, 2026, trustees must: 

• Hear a public report on seat belt requirements and associated costs/financial feasibility 
• Make a formal determination on whether the district can comply  
• Take action if the district’s budget does not allow compliance 

If the board determines the district cannot meet the requirement, the district must submit documentation to the Texas Education Agency, including the meeting agenda, minutes, and the board’s formal decision. 

SB 546 requires timely board action, clear documentation, and thoughtful consideration of both safety and financial impact, Bigbee said. Districts must complete all required steps — and submit reporting if needed — by May 29, 2026. 

TEA has created a detailed and helpful guidebook for compliance with SB 546. 

Need Help?  

If you have questions, contact your policy consultant, call Policy Service at 800-580-7529, or email policy.service@tasb.org.