ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — As students across the region get ready to head back to class next week, lawmakers in Albany are turning their attention to school bus safety.

A new bill in the State Senate would require all passengers on buses equipped with seat belts to actually wear them while the bus is moving. Sponsored by Senator Jose Serrano, the legislation would also mandate that drivers announce: “Everybody fasten your seat belts” before pulling away.

The proposal is currently in the Senate Transportation Committee. Similar bills have been introduced since 2009, but if passed, New York would join a small group of states with comparable requirements, adding an extra layer of protection for students this school year.

Right now, individual districts set their own seat belt guidelines. Lo

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