Contractors and school officials back exempting driver seats from fire‑block requirement to aid retention

Jordan Glassman, representing Sen. Jason Galien, told the Environment and Transportation Committee that SB 968 would remove the fire‑block upholstery requirement only for school‑bus driver seats while maintaining fire protection standards for student seating.

"SB 968, as amended, addresses this directly by removing the fire block requirement for the driver's seat only while maintaining all existing protections for student seating," Glassman said. He argued the change aligns with guidance from the National Congress on School Transportation and would help with driver recruitment and retention.

Steve Nelson, a 47‑year school bus contractor and president of the Maryland School Bus Contractors Association, described long shifts and discomfort with current upholstery. "A driver that's...spend 6, 7 hours in a bus seat, that's vinyl with Kevlar backing. It does not breathe," he said, adding that the change is intended to improve comfort without compromising student safety.

Marty Lohstrom, executive director of the Maryland School Bus Contractors, and Michael Graf of Baltimore County Public Schools also testified in support and said the change is optional — fleets would have the choice whether to replace or alter driver seats. Lohstrom said manufacturers accept the change and that aligning standards across vehicle types would reduce confusion.

Delegates asked whether the bill would force districts to replace existing seats; witnesses said it would not require removal but would allow flexibility on new and existing vehicles. The committee did not take a final vote and invited technical clarifications about implementation costs and maintenance standards.