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Arlington ISD board approves lack‑of‑funding exemption for SB 546 seat‑belt requirement
Summary
Facing an estimated $3.9 million retrofit/replace cost to bring noncompliant buses into compliance with SB 546, the board voted unanimously to submit a lack‑of‑funding exemption to TEA rather than retrofit the fleet immediately.
Arlington ISD trustees voted unanimously on April 9 to approve an administrative recommendation to file a lack‑of‑funding exemption with the Texas Education Agency for Senate Bill 546, which requires three‑point seat belts on vehicles that transport students by 2029.
Dr. Hill, who presented the compliance overview, said AISD’s current fleet status shows 71 buses without seat belts, 54 with two‑point belts, and 106 already equipped with three‑point belts. District staff solicited bids to retrofit or replace noncompliant vehicles and reported an estimated cost of about $3.9 million to bring roughly 125 buses into compliance.
"We have 125 buses that are out of compliance," Dr. Hill said, summarizing fleet status and timeline. He told trustees TEA requires a board action this school year and the district must report whether it will comply or request an exemption by May 29.
The board approved the lack‑of‑funding exemption 7–0. During discussion trustees asked whether students are required to use seat belts on buses; Dr. Hill said that the new law and AISD policy would not compel students to buckle up — usage is voluntary and varies by age.
Trustees and staff noted that the district will monitor fleet replacement schedules and that several buses slated for retirement are among those currently lacking three‑point belts. Dr. Hill said buses purchased since the requirement became clear already come with three‑point belts.
Next steps: the administration will submit the exemption to TEA and continue to monitor fleet replacement timing and costs.
