Act 1979
NEW LAW ADDRESSES VANS AND BUSSES USED TO TRANSPORT CHILDREN IN CARE AT LICENSED PROGRAMS
Act 1979 of 2005 states that all vehicles designed to transport more than seven (7) passengers and one driver shall have a child safety alarm device installed by a qualified technician or mechanic. The device required is an alarm that would sound if a staff member fails to walk to the rear inside of the vehicle and press a button to deactivate the system each time the motor is turned off. The intent is to prevent children from being left in the vehicle.
Vehicles currently in service in licensed programs must be fitted with this device no later than December 31, 2005. Newly licensed programs or vehicles newly purchased by existing programs after July 1, 2005, would require installation of the device prior to transporting children.
The Licensing Unit will maintain a list of the approved safety devices and of businesses offering approved installation. The list was provided by the Arkansas Transit Association and will be expanded as additional information becomes available.