School districts across the state of Texas are bracing for a costly ride under a new school bus safety requirement — and Azle Independent School District is one of them.
In June 2025, Texas Senate Bill 546 was signed into law by the Texas Legislature, which mandates that all school buses operated by or contracted for Texas school districts be equipped with three-point lap and shoulder seat belts for every passenger, including the driver. The bill, which was designed to strengthen safety standards for student transportation, became effective Sept. 1, 2025, and requires full compliance from all Texas school districts by Sept. 1, 2029.
During the AISD board of trustees meeting March 23, Chief Financial Officer Summer Mathis explained the district is required to report to the Texas Education Agency if the school budget does not permit the district to purchase buses that are equipped with seat belts.
