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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | July 27, 2023 03:37 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Lisa Baker |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Enhancing the safe transportation of school children |
| As the start of a new school year approaches, we are once again reminded of the importance of school bus safety. Too often, we take for granted the safe transport of our children. The General Assembly has from time to time acted to enhance protections when evidence suggests it is needed. Most recently, school districts and independent contractors were empowered to install and operate cameras on an activated side stop signal arm that is engaged along with flashing red lights when the bus is at a designated stop. Current state law for meeting or overtaking a school bus outlines the duties of an approaching driver when red signals are flashing and when amber signals are flashing. Upon conviction for overtaking a school bus when red signals are flashing, a driver will face a penalty of a $250 fine, 5 points on the driving record, and a 60-day driver’s license suspension. Despite these penalties, recent data finds about 1,000 drivers each year are convicted of passing a stopped school bus with signals flashing. Many more citations are issued and work their way through the judicial system without resulting in a conviction. And, anecdotally, we know even more violations occur that do not result in a written citation due to uncaptured vehicle information of the violator. It is my intention to introduce legislation that will increase financial penalties, establish enhanced penalties for repeat offenders, and generally make the loading and unloading of students safer. While our vehicles are manufactured with more safety features, working to ensure the operators of these vehicles behave responsibly is the duty of us all. These changes are designed to enhance the safety of child passengers, bus drivers, and all motorists. I invite you to join this endeavor. Thank you. |
Introduced as SB897