CFISD outlines seatbelt compliance plan for school buses under SB 546

Cypress‑Fairbanks ISD transportation staff briefed the board on May 7 about compliance planning for Senate Bill 546, which requires three‑point seatbelts on certain buses by the statutory deadline unless the district documents budget constraints and files a report with TEA.

"A pretty good position with already 77% of our fleet equipped with 3‑point seat belts," transportation presenter Darren Crawford said, noting that assigned route buses are currently equipped and that roughly 78 spare or older buses could be candidates for retrofit at estimated costs of $35,000–$40,000 per vehicle.

Crawford explained retrofitting is labor‑ and parts‑intensive, may require removing and replacing seats and flooring, and depends on manufacturer willingness and certification so that warranties are not voided. He said some manufacturers have indicated they will not retrofit and that no state funds have been provided to cover the retrofitting cost.

Trustees asked operational questions: Crawford said assigned route buses are compliant and that non‑compliant units are mostly spares used for in‑town trips or athletics. The staff presentation estimated replacement or retrofit needs for compliance and noted that a full statewide demand for retrofits could stretch vendor timelines beyond initial estimates.

Next steps: staff will continue to inventory vehicles, refine retrofit cost and timing estimates, and prepare the TEA report required if the board determines district budget constraints preclude timely replacement.