The School Bus Safety Act aims to improve school bus safety in Ohio through various amendments to the Revised Code and the introduction of new provisions. A key feature of the bill is the designation of August as "School Bus Safety Awareness Month," which seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of stopping for school buses during passenger loading and unloading. The bill also establishes a school bus safety fund, financed by criminal fines for school bus safety violations, to provide grants to school districts for enhancing safety features on their buses. Specific safety technologies eligible for funding include external cameras, crossing arms, and lane departure warning systems. Additionally, the bill requires deputy registrars and driver examination locations to display graphics instructing drivers to stop for school buses, reinforcing community awareness.

The legislation also introduces significant changes to traffic violation penalties related to school buses, including fines ranging from $350 to $2,000 for repeat offenders and a reduced fine of $150 for first-time offenders who complete a safety course. Offenders are required to appear in court to contest citations, and the court must impose a class six suspension of the offender's driver's license for violations, escalating to a class five suspension for repeat offenders. The bill emphasizes the role of law enforcement in investigating violations, stating that citations cannot be issued solely based on camera footage without corroborating evidence. Furthermore, it mandates public education on school bus safety laws and allows certain nonpublic and community schools to operate small vehicles for student transportation under specific conditions. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance safety measures and accountability in school bus operations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4503.03, 4510.036, 4511.75, 4511.751, 4511.76
As Reported By House Committee: 4503.03, 4510.036, 4511.75, 4511.751, 4511.76
As Re-referred to House Committee: 4503.03, 4510.036, 4511.75, 4511.751, 4511.76
As Passed By House: 4503.03, 4510.036, 4511.75, 4511.751, 4511.76