The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.444, subdivision 2, by eliminating the mandatory fine of not less than $500 for drivers who violate school bus stop-signal arm regulations. Under the revised law, a person who fails to stop a vehicle as required will still be guilty of a misdemeanor, but the specific financial penalty has been removed.

Additionally, the bill maintains the existing penalties for more severe violations, classifying them as gross misdemeanors if a driver passes a school bus on the right-hand side or when a child is present on the street or adjacent sidewalk. This change aims to provide more flexibility in penalizing drivers for school bus stop-signal violations while still holding them accountable for dangerous behaviors.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 169.444