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Committee approves one‑time funding to retrofit nearly 1,700 school buses with crossing arms and anti‑pinch sensors
Summary
The Appropriations Committee approved one‑time funding for nearly 1,700 school bus safety retrofits; a proposed amendment to change the funding source and allow grants to be used for new buses failed.
The Appropriations Committee approved a measure to fund retrofits on nearly 1,700 school buses, adding crossing arms and anti‑pinch door sensors.
Representative Drew Gutin moved the line item providing one‑time support for school bus safety upgrades. Representative Bleier offered an amendment to source the funds from the budget stabilization fund and to allow municipalities or school departments to spend the money on new buses rather than retrofits; the amendment was debated under Robert’s Rules but failed on a 5–8 vote. The original motion carried on an 8–5 vote.
Proponents emphasized the safety benefits of crossing arms and anti‑pinch sensors for students. Representative Ducharme said there is “plenty of money” in the general fund after earlier transfers and suggested the state could cover the roughly $6 million retrofit cost without further disruption. Opponents raised concerns about sourcing recurring costs from one‑time reserves and fiscal precedent.
The committee also moved related language pieces (parts T9, T10 and T11) associated with the school safety initiative.
Next steps: With committee approval, the retrofit funding and the related language will be incorporated into the supplemental budget for floor consideration and implementation through Maine Department of Education channels.
