Ohio Lawmakers Push for Stricter Penalties on Illegally Passing Stopped School Buses
Source:Ā http://ohiocapitaljournal.com
Ohio lawmakers have introduced two bills aimed at reducing the number of drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses, a dangerous act that puts children at risk.
Senate Bill 62
š¹ Introduced by Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green), S.B. 62 authorizesābut does not mandateāthe use of school bus cameras to catch violators.
š¹ Creates a $300 civil penalty for drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus.
š¹ Funds school bus cameras: $50 of the fine goes to the School Bus Safety Fund, while the remaining $250 goes to school districts to help purchase and maintain camera equipment.
House Bill 3
š¹ Introduced by Reps. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) and Bernie Willis (R-Springfield), H.B. 3 goes further by making passing a stopped school bus a misdemeanor.
š¹ Increases fines: Offenders could face penalties ranging from $250 to $1,000.
š¹ Stronger penalties for repeat offenders: Possible license suspension, mandatory safety courses, and a fine of up to $2,000.
š¹ Authorizes school bus cameras and creates the School Bus Safety Fund to improve enforcement.
Currently, Ohio law does not clearly allow or prohibit school bus cameras, and penalties for illegally passing a school bus range from $0 to $500. Advocates say these new bills would enhance enforcement and deter reckless drivers from endangering children.
Read more of the story here:Ā https://ohio.childreninfobank.com/safebank/ohio-lawmakers-are-trying-to-increase-penalties-on-illegally-passing-a-stopped-school-bus/
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