By Bill Raack, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – The sponsor of a bill that would require school buses in Missouri to have seatbelts says he will try again next year to get the legislation approved.
The legislation failed to advance during this year's session, which wraps up on Friday. Republican Representative Tim Flook of Liberty says the bill will be revised and reintroduced in 2007.
"The mandate would begin in about a year and a half out or two years out to allow financially for schools to phase in lap-shoulder belt systems and allow for us to collect enough money on the traffic surcharge to build up a war chest, so to speak, to supplement the funding of school districts," Flook said.
The bill also provides for immunity for school districts, bus drivers and teachers if a student fails to wear their safety belt and is injured in an accident.
Gov. Matt Blunt made a push for such a law this year; a spokesperson says the governor remains committed to the idea.
Flook made his comments on KWMU's St. Louis on the Air program Monday.