SB 546: Required Reporting on School Bus Seat Belt Costs
| Date: | October 23, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Subject: | SB 546: Required Reporting on School Bus Seat Belt Costs |
| Category: | School Safety and Security |
| Next Steps: | Obtain cost information and complete required reporting |
The ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ is committed to supporting school systems in their efforts to improve safety and security for students, staff, and visitors. This To the Administrator Addressed (TAA) communication provides information about the mandated information collection and reporting.
Overview
Not later than the end of the 2025-2026 school year, (89th Regular Legislative Session) requires school systems that make a budget limitation determination under (e)(1), to submit to ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ the estimated cost to equip each bus operated by and/or contracted for use by the district with three-point seat belts.
Reporting in Sentinel
²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ will be launching estimated cost reporting through Sentinel starting on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Reporting will conclude at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026. School systems are required to submit the information requested, with supporting documentation.
In addition to required reporting to ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ, if a school system board has determined that its budget does not permit the district to purchase or contract buses that are equipped with three-point seat belts (required in ), the following must be presented in a public meeting:
- The number of buses operated by or contracted for use by the school system that are not equipped with seat belts, the number that are equipped with two-point seat belts, and the number that are equipped with three-point seat belts; and
- The estimated cost to equip each bus operated by and/or contracted for use by the school system with three-point seat belts
As part of the required estimated cost reporting, school systems will be able to participate in a grant opportunity related to seat belt installation. Details pertaining to the grant will be the subject of a future TAA.
Guidance and Resources
²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ has created a Guidebook for SB546 Reporting on School Seat Belt Costs to help school systems prepare for the required reporting. This guidebook includes a preparation guide, data collection example, form logic chart and program contact information.
To further support school systems with the reporting process, ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ will be hosting a series of Office Hours sessions throughout the reporting period. Office Hours attendance is optional.
- October 30, 2025, 10:00 a.m. CST
- November 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m. CST
- November 13, 2025, 10:00 a.m. CST
- November 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m. CST
- February 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m. CST
- February 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m. CST
- April 9, 2026, 10:00 a.m. CST
- April 16, 2026, 10:00 a.m. CST
- April 23, 2026, 10:00 a.m. CST
- April 30, 2026, 10:00 a.m. CST
Registration information will be posted in Sentinel and is available here:
Ensuring Sentinel Access
The Bus Reporting Module is available in Sentinel under LEA Modules. It is important that all relevant personnel are aware of the required reporting procedures and understand how to submit information in Sentinel correctly.
As part of the collection in Sentinel, school systems will be required to acknowledge that appropriate personnel have received the access and information necessary to complete the data collection.
Superintendents or designated staff should brief the Board and confirm that the appropriate team members have access to Sentinel. Transportation Directors may need to conduct student counts and gather cost estimates. To help share this information with those who need it, the agency has provided convenient options for distributing these updates.
Questions
If you have questions about the required reporting, please email safeschools@tea.texas.gov.