School transportation looks to be a popular topic in state legislatures this session, as several bills spanning countless topics related to school bus safety have been recently introduced. If passed, these potential laws and regulations could have a notable impact for fleet owners and drivers across the country.
Florida Senator David Simmons (R-Altamonte-Springs) introduced Gabby’s Bill, which aims to raise punishments for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. The bill got its name from Gabby Mair, a 12-year-old girl who was hit by a car immediately after exiting her bus and was pronounced brain-dead.
If passed, the consequences of passing a stopped school bus would include charges for reckless driving and an additional $65 added to any fines and convictions. That money would be put towards the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund.
In Illinois, state Sen. James Clayborne introduced SB 52, a bill which seeks to mandate school districts provide school bus service to students who have to walk through dangerous neighborhoods to get to school. Currently law requires the transportation of students who live more than 1.5 miles away from their nearest school. If passed, the bill would also require transportation for those who live closer than that as long as the neighborhood they would have to walk through is deemed unsafe.
Tennessee is also considering a controversial law that would require seat belts to be installed on all school buses, which is set to be introduced by Knoxville State Rep. Joe Armstrong.
The New Mexico legislature is looking at setting aside $889,000 in funding to install school buses with GPS tracking technology, after Rep. Christine Trujillo introduced HB 73. Trujillo is told local news she considers student-tracking to be an important issue because parents should know where their children are at all times.
“I think it’s the way of the future,” she said. “Especially when we’re involved with caring for kids, I think that $889,000 is a drop in the bucket to make sure where your kids are.”
Michigan is considering the “Privacky Law”, introduced by State Rep. Holly Hughes. The law would require “brighter and more visible” warning lights on the rear end of school buses. The bill was inspired by Antonia and Bruce Privacky, a pair of sibling killed by a school bus after being rear-ended in 2011.
