STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS31412 / H0610
This legislation updates Idaho Code § 49-1422 and has three specific components. Firstly, it increases the
fines associated with illegally passing school buses. Drivers in Idaho have increased the frequency of passing
school buses during the boarding and disembarking of children, and the current deployment of flashing lights
and the stop arm is not always effective enough. Increasing the fines will be a notable deterrent against unsafe
driving behavior. Secondly, this legislation amends the charge for a first-time offense from a misdemeanor to an
infraction while maintaining that the second, and any subsequent stop arm convictions, remain a misdemeanor.
Currently, the requirement of the defendant for a first-time stop arm offense is to make an initial court appearance
to plead guilty, a second appearance for a court trial, and a third appearance for sentencing. Reducing the initial
charge to an infraction allows the defendant the ability to resolve the fines imposed under this subsection online,
or by phone or email. Finally, the draft grants the Department of Education administrative rights to the School
Bus Camera Fund. In supporting the efforts to bring more awareness to the seriousness of school bus stop
violations, and to support local law enforcement agencies in securing convictions of such offenses, moneys in
the fund will be appropriated for the purpose of school bus stop arm cameras, software, equipment, and training.
FISCAL NOTE
This legislation causes no additional cost to the Department of Education for the disbursement of Stop Arm
Fund moneys. Based on an established formula, this change will mean an increase to revenue from fines, which
are collected and distributed to the State Treasurer (for the Peace Officers Standards and Training Fund), the
Highway Distribution Account, the District Court Fund, and the Public School Income Fund.
Contact:
Representative Charlie Shepherd
(208) 332-1000
Chris Goetz, Clearwater County Sheriff
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/21/2024, 9:15 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 49-1422