Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mesquite ISD reports path to compliance with Texas SB 546 on school bus seat belts
Summary
Transportation director Raymond Forsberg told trustees the district now has 206 buses (11 noncompliant earlier replaced) and estimated retrofit costs of $16,000–$35,000 per bus; he said he expects compliance by the SB 546 deadline of Sept. 1, 2029.
Director of Transportation Raymond Forsberg updated the board on Senate Bill 546, which requires three‑point seat belts for every bus passenger and the driver and carries a compliance deadline of Sept. 1, 2029.
Forsberg said the district's fleet has been updated since his March submission: "As of today is 206 total buses. And out of those 206, 11 is considered non compliant. And I'm happy to report that, every single one of our buses have seat belts, including those 11." He outlined retrofit cost estimates ranging from about $16,000 for smaller buses to up to $35,000 for larger buses and said a middle estimate for replacing 11 buses would be roughly $1.6 million (brand new buses figure) while retrofits could vary.
On enforcement and student usage, Forsberg said drivers remind students to fasten belts and monitors are present on specialty buses; on full buses the district relies on reminders and driver vigilance and will take corrective measures when students do not remain belted.
Forsberg concluded he had no reason to believe the district could not be in compliance by the 2029 deadline and said he would submit required documentation to the Texas Education Agency at year end as required by the statute.
