The School Bus Safety Act seeks 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," aimed at raising 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, which will be administered by the director of education and workforce to provide grants to school districts for enhancing safety features on school buses. Specific safety technologies eligible for funding include external cameras, crossing arms, and lane departure warning systems.

In addition to enhancing safety measures, the bill introduces a structured fine system for traffic violations related to school buses, with fines ranging from $350 to $2,000 for repeat offenders. It mandates that individuals with prior violations attend a school bus safety course, while first-time offenders may have the option to complete the course to reduce their fine to $150. The legislation also clarifies that citations cannot be issued solely based on camera footage and outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement in investigating violations. Furthermore, it appropriates $10 million for school bus safety initiatives and repeals several existing sections of the Revised Code to streamline regulations. Overall, the bill aims to bolster school transportation safety and enforce stricter penalties for violations.

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