DES MOINES, Iowa-- The Iowa Department of Education it wall cost about $8,000 per new school bus to add seat belts. Department Transportation Director Max Christensen says those belts will do more than just keep kids safe. He says they could also reduce incidents of bullying and help drivers better maintain discipline--all by keeping kids in their seats. Should the plan move forward, Christensen tells WHO-TV the department could ask the Iowa Legislature to help pick up the cost. The Education Department will hold a June 25th public hearing on it's seat belt proposal. Right now, buses in 16 Iowa school districts have seat belts.