HB 1619 proposes amendments to the Texas Transportation Code requiring school buses manufactured in model year 2021 or later to be equipped with crossing arms mounted on the front bumper. These crossing arms must extend outward in front of the bus to ensure that students crossing the roadway maintain a safe distance from the vehicle. The bill also requires that these crossing arms, along with other warning equipment, be activated when the bus stops to load or unload children. Additionally, it allows school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations to fund the installation of the crossing arms. While most provisions take effect on September 1, 2026, the provision enabling funding from gifts and donations takes effect on September 1, 2025.