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Comal ISD estimates $6.7 million to replace buses lacking three‑point seat belts amid SB 546 mandate
Summary
At its May 28 meeting, Comal ISD transportation director Jessica Fischer told trustees the district has 48 yellow buses without three‑point seat belts and is recommending replacement rather than retrofit at an estimated cost of $6.7 million; compliance data is due to the state May 29, 2026 and the SB 546 deadline is Sept. 1, 2029.
At the May 28 Comal ISD Board of Trustees meeting, transportation director Jessica Fischer outlined the district’s plan to comply with Texas Senate Bill 546, which requires three‑point seat belts on school buses by Sept. 1, 2029.
Fischer told trustees the district currently operates 173 yellow school buses and 10 multi‑function activity buses that already meet the three‑point requirement. She said 48 yellow buses do not meet the three‑point standard and six activity buses have only lap belts; eight specially equipped buses with lap belts are scheduled for auction. Fischer said a retrofit averages about $43,500 per bus and that, given the buses’ age and remaining useful life, district staff recommend replacing the affected vehicles. The estimated replacement cost is roughly $6.7 million. The transportation office plans to purchase three multi‑function activity buses as part of that total and noted Career and Technical Education and athletics are seeking funding for additional activity buses.
“Senate Bill 546 effectively shortens the useful life of these buses,” Fischer said, noting lead times of 12–24 months for new buses and that the district will have to report fleet compliance, retrofit quotes and replacement estimates to the state’s Sentinel portal by May 29, 2026.
Board members pressed staff on enforcement and practical matters. Trustee Russ Garner asked whether students are required to wear seat belts now; Fischer replied that seat‑belt use is required by district policy and the student code of conduct but not enforceable by traffic authorities and that younger students are more consistently compliant. Fischer said retrofits require manufacturer work and average four to six weeks per bus.
Fischer said the district’s prior bond approvals (2021 and 2023) left Comal ISD in a stronger position than many neighboring districts. She also told the board that the legislation’s financial impact has prompted many districts to pass companion resolutions and to seek grant or legislative relief.
The board placed a resolution regarding SB 546 financial feasibility on the consent agenda and approved the consent agenda by a 6–0 vote later in the meeting.
