Federal agency ordered to propose school bus seat belt rules within 180 days
In committeeH.R. 7428Latest action
Sponsor: Josh Gottheimer · Representative · NJ
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Official title: SECURES Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 7428 requires the Dept. of Transportation to formally propose school bus seat belt standards within 180 days of enactment.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 7428 directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin the official rulemaking process for seat belt standards on school buses within 180 days of the law taking effect. The proposal would apply to all newly manufactured school buses regardless of size. No seat belts are immediately required; any final rules would only take effect after a public comment period.
Who does it affect?
The bill most directly affects students who ride school buses, school districts and bus companies that purchase new buses, and manufacturers that build them. The Department of Transportation is the agency responsible for carrying out the rulemaking.
Why does it matter?
Currently no federal law requires seat belts on school buses, and this bill would set a formal timeline for the government to propose one. The outcome of that process could eventually lead to new purchase and manufacturing requirements for school buses nationwide.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 9, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Feb 10, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.