If you pass a stopped school bus, it could land you a ticket of $100 or more even if police don’t see you thanks to newly signed House Bill 1926. The measure allows law enforcement to use cameras on school buses to catch drivers who ignore bus stop arms.
“House Bill 1926 gives our law enforcement officers the teeth they need to go after drivers who endanger our state’s children,” Kerbs said. “Right now, law enforcement can only give these drivers a warning if the officer didn’t see it themselves. This legislation allows buses’ video cameras to be the eyes for the officers to hold these dangerous drivers accountable, which helps better protect students loading onto or unloading the bus.”
Seventy-five percent of the ticket proceeds will go to the Cameras for School Bus Stops Revolving Fund to help schools pay for the proper video surveillance equipment.
Senate author Senator Ron Sharp says ignoring bus stop arms have become commonplace.
“Sadly, this is a common and dangerous occurrence. People are in a hurry and don’t think about the fact that a kid could run out in front of them,” said Sharp. “There’s a reason it’s illegal to overtake a stopped school bus, but the problem is there’s usually not a cop around to catch offenders. By allowing districts to put cameras on buses, drivers breaking the law can be caught on tape and held accountable by law enforcement.”
The law takes effect November 1, 2019.
