Sec. 401 School bus seat belt demonstration program
In general— The Secretary of Transportation may award grants to States to develop a school bus seat belt program to purchase type 1 school buses equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts or equip existing type 1 school buses with lap/shoulder seat belts.
Application— In order to qualify for a grant under this section, a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require, including—
an assurance that the State will use grant funds to purchase type I school buses with lap/shoulder seat belts or equip existing type 1 school buses with such seat belts;
an assurance that the State is in compliance with sections 171 and 172 of title 23, United States Code; and
a list of the local educational agencies which the State selects to receive the seat belt equipped buses, including the reasons why each agency should receive school buses with seat belts.
Local educational agency requirements— The State shall require that any local educational agency that receives grant funds pursuant to this Act shall develop—
a plan to ensure that all students riding the school buses with lap/shoulder belts are using them; and
an educational program regarding seat belt safety.
Grant amounts— Before awarding a grant under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that each grant award is of sufficient size and scope to carry out the requirements of this section.
Funding— In order to fund grant awards under this section, the Secretary shall use funds not apportioned pursuant to sections 171 and 172 of title 23, United States Code.
Definition— In this section, the term “type 1 school bus” means a school bus weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
Reporting— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the State shall submit a report to the Secretary regarding the effectiveness of the lap/shoulder seat belt program in any local educational agency using grant funds under this section, including—
student usage of seat belts; and
the impact on school bus seating capacity.