School bus safety is at the heart of several new bills signed into law this week. House bills 4201 and 4203 prohibit anyone to board a school bus without permission from the driver. They establish a $500 civil fine for stepping onto the bus without authorization.
State Representative Jack O’Malley, who sponsored the bill, said, “We have made the school buildings safer. These bills now bring focus on the weakest link, the school bus. We will have better enforcement of those who ignore the stop arm. Also, the boarding with permission brings the respect our drivers need while keeping our kids safe.”
House Bills 4202 and 4204 allow school buses to have a stop-arm camera system and to be able to use evidence from the cameras to show drivers failing to stop for busses with their red lights flashing.
State Representative Tyrone Carter, the bills’ sponsor, said, “These bills prioritize student safety. I am grateful for the bipartisan support in empowering our students.”
Drivers are required to stop for busses with red lights flashing and remain completely stopped until the lights stop flashing.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
