. >> reporter: state representative antonio cabral has tried several times to pass a law for seat belts. >> we've been pushing this legislation for three or four sessions. and it's a common sense legislation, a public safety legislation. newton bucks the national trend. they do have they don't have them? >> it's hard to say. it's almost as if they don't believe it's a valuable safety feature. >> reporter: the school transportation association has opposed belts on buses in the past citing expense and time needed to install equipment. >> reporter: the organization has walked away from the negotiation cable. >> we attempted to reach them. the industry -- before the session ises were over. back. >> reporter: meanwhile, some can't believe safety hasn't been improved. >> reporter: are you surprised that a lot of communities don't have them? >> it's shocking and what happened in tennessee, it may be the only silver lining. >> reporter: in newton, david robichaud, wbz news. >>> whether seat belts on buses truly makes things safer is debatable. buses are seat backs and a reinforced shell to prot