The Washington State House Education Committee approved a bill sponsored by 14th District Representative Gina McCabe that would help keep students safe while they ride on the school bus. It would require all school buses manufactured or assembled after September 1, 2019 to be equipped with a shoulder harness-type seat belt. Every school bus would also be required to have automated school bus safety cameras used to detect ‘stop paddle’ violations and other vehicle infractions. Revenues collected from enforcing ‘stop paddle’ violations would help fund seat belt installation and school bus replacement incentives, as well as assist law enforcement agencies in providing additional officers who can help enforce infractions in school safety zones. Six states currently require seat belts on school buses. The bill has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee for further consideration.