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Atlanta ISD invokes budget exception for three‑point seat belt rule, estimates $641,042 cost
Summary
The board found 17 of 32 school buses lack three‑point seat belts, estimated compliance at about $641,042, invoked the budget‑based exception under Texas Transportation Code §547.701(e)(1), and directed the superintendent to file the required TEA report by May 29, 2026.
The Atlanta ISD Board on Feb. 24 considered compliance with SB 546 (Texas Transportation Code §547.701), which requires three‑point seat belts on certain school buses. The board found that 17 of the district's 32 buses are not equipped with three‑point seat belts and estimated the cost to equip non‑compliant buses at approximately $641,042. Citing current budget constraints, the board invoked the budget‑based exception under §547.701(e)(1).
The board directed Superintendent Jason Harris to submit the report required under §547.701(f) to the Texas Education Agency and to present it at a board meeting no later than May 29, 2026. The board also authorized the district to accept gifts, grants and donations under §547.701(h) to help meet the requirement. Motion carried unanimously (Yea: 7, Nay: 0).
