Some school buses might have three-point, lap-shoulder belts if Governor Matt Blunt gets his way. He has expanded on his School Bus Safety Task Force’s recommendation that schools consider putting in lap-shoulder buses in new buses purchased and wants districts required to do so. Blunt says this is something that will be phased in over time and isn’t worried there will be an issue of inequity if some students are riding the new, safer buses while others are on older models. Blunt realizes the state will need to come up with money if the more-expensive buses are mandated, possibly $5-Million to $10-Million a year. He rules out a tax increase to get that money, only offering it will be found somewhere.
