Columbus, OH – A new bill in the Ohio House of Representatives is seeking to increase safety on school buses, incorporating a series of recommendations developed after the tragic death of an 11-year-old student in a Clark County bus accident last year. House Bill 279, supported by Republican State Senator Bernie Willis, addresses school transportation concerns by integrating 13 recommendations from the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group, which was established by Governor Mike DeWine.
One of the key safety measures proposed in the bill includes equipping school buses with seat belts. Other recommendations target improvements in bus safety protocols, driver training, and equipment maintenance. However, while these recommendations are highlighted in the bill, they remain non-mandatory, sparking some debate about the bill’s impact.
In a statement, Senator Willis emphasized the importance of school bus safety, particularly in light of recent incidents. “Our goal is to do everything we can to keep children safe on their way to and from school,” he said, “and this bill is a step toward making that a reality.”
The bill’s non-mandatory nature may be an attempt to allow school districts the flexibility to adopt safety measures at their own pace. However, some advocates argue that without enforceable mandates, critical safety features—like seat belts—may not be implemented universally.
Governor DeWine’s Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group was formed in response to the fatal crash, with the task of developing practical recommendations to prevent similar tragedies. The bipartisan bill reflects a growing national conversation about school bus safety, yet its success in reducing incidents may depend on how many of its recommendations are adopted statewide.
House Bill 279 will be debated in the legislature in the coming weeks, with educators, parents, and safety advocates watching closely to see if Ohio will set a precedent for enhancing school bus safety across the state.