This bill aims to increase penalties for unlawfully passing a stopped school bus, enhancing safety for children. Key changes include the introduction of sworn testimony from the school bus driver or other witnesses as sufficient evidence of a violation, along with the use of bus camera footage as evidence against the vehicle owner or operator. The bill stipulates that this footage must be made available by subpoena to the county attorney and can only be used for this purpose unless permitted by law. In terms of penalties, the bill modifies existing laws by changing the classification of the offense from a violation to a class B misdemeanor for first-time offenders, who will face a fine of $150 $300 and a mandatory license suspension of 7 days. For second offenses, the penalty escalates to a class A misdemeanor with a fine of at least $750 and a minimum 30-day license revocation. A third or subsequent offense will also be classified as a class A misdemeanor, carrying a mandatory 15-day jail sentence and indefinite license revocation, which can only be restored after completing a driver safety course. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265:54
HB1308 text: 265:54