Safe Bus Routes to School Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 12, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to enhance student safety by integrating school bus route and stop safety into federal transportation programs, making related projects eligible for existing funding streams.
What it actually does
This bill expands the existing Safe Routes to School Program to explicitly include school bus route safety. It defines "school bus route" and broadens the program's purpose to facilitate projects and activities that support safer school bus routes and stops. The bill also makes infrastructure-related school bus safety projects eligible for funding under the Highway Safety Improvement Program.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill addresses a critical gap in student safety by extending the successful Safe Routes to School framework to encompass the daily commute via school bus. They contend that improving infrastructure around bus stops and educating students on bus safety will significantly reduce accidents and enhance the well-being of children traveling to and from school.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is laudable, expanding the scope of existing programs without new dedicated funding could dilute resources for other vital safety initiatives, such as pedestrian and bicycle safety. They may also contend that local jurisdictions are better equipped to manage bus route safety, and federal intervention could lead to inefficiencies or misaligned priorities.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its provisions and implications within the time given.
Section 2(a)(1)
Defines 'School Bus Route'
This provision adds a new definition to title 23, United States Code, specifically for the term 'school bus route.' It clarifies that a 'school bus route' is a regularly traveled course used by a school bus for transporting students to and from school, including designated pick-up and drop-off points approved by local education agencies.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a clear, statutory definition of 'school bus route' is essential for effectively integrating bus safety into federal programs, ensuring consistent application and understanding across different jurisdictions.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against definitional provisions that clarify scope, as they are generally seen as administrative necessities rather than substantive policy changes.
Tradeoffs
This provision primarily serves to clarify and enable other parts of the bill, presenting no inherent tradeoffs on its own.
Section 2(a)(2)
Expands Safe Routes to School Program Purpose
This section amends the existing Safe Routes to School Program to explicitly include facilitating the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that support safer school bus routes and stops. This broadens the program's mandate beyond just walking and bicycling to school.
Section 2(a)(3)(A)
Expands Eligible Infrastructure Projects for Bus Routes
This provision amends the Safe Routes to School Program to allow its funds to be used for infrastructure projects specifically designed to improve the safety of students waiting for and taking a school bus. Examples include sidewalk improvements, traffic calming, pedestrian crossings, dedicated waiting areas at bus stops, and traffic diversion improvements along bus routes.
Section 2(a)(3)(B)
Expands Eligible Non-Infrastructure Activities for Bus Safety
This section allows Safe Routes to School Program funds to be used for non-infrastructure activities aimed at encouraging safe school bus ridership. These activities include public awareness campaigns, outreach to community leaders, traffic education and enforcement near bus routes, and student sessions on school bus safety rules.
Section 2(b)
Includes Bus Safety Projects in Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
This provision amends the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to make 'Safe routes to school infrastructure-related projects' (as defined in Section 208(g)(1) of title 23) eligible for HSIP funding. It also explicitly adds 'school bus stop safety' to the definition of a 'highway safety improvement project' under HSIP.
This section makes 'Safe routes to school infrastructure-related projects' eligible for funding under the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) by amending Section 148(a) of title 23, United States Code.
Section 2(b)
Why it matters:The cross-referencing is standard legislative practice for integrating new provisions into existing legal frameworks, rather than an attempt to obscure. However, it does require a reader to consult multiple sections of the U.S. Code to grasp the full impact.
Case for: Proponents argue that leveraging the established HSIP framework provides a robust and dedicated funding stream for bus safety infrastructure, ensuring these projects are prioritized alongside other critical highway safety improvements.
Case against: Critics might argue that by expanding HSIP eligibility without increasing overall appropriations, this provision could lead to greater competition for funds, potentially diluting the impact on other highway safety priorities.
Estimated impact: This provision opens up a new, significant federal funding source for school bus route and stop safety infrastructure projects, potentially leading to millions or billions in new investments over time, depending on state and local prioritization and federal appropriations.