The proposed School Bus Safety Act aims to enhance the safety of school transportation in Ohio through a series of new regulations and funding initiatives. Key provisions include the designation of August as "School Bus Safety Awareness Month" to raise public awareness about the importance of stopping for school buses, as well as the establishment of a school bus safety fund financed by fines and penalties related to school bus safety violations. This fund will be managed by the director of education and workforce, who will provide grants to school districts for implementing safety features such as external cameras and lane departure warning systems. The bill also mandates that deputy registrars and driver examination locations display graphics instructing drivers to stop for school buses, reinforcing community awareness.

Additionally, the bill introduces a structured fee system for the registration of various types of motor vehicles, including electric vehicles, and allows for electronic submission of registration applications. It clarifies the responsibilities of law enforcement in investigating school bus violations and establishes a framework for using camera systems on school buses to capture violations, with penalties for registered vehicle owners if the driver cannot be identified. The legislation also includes appropriations of $10 million for school bus safety initiatives and outlines penalties for violations, particularly for repeat offenders. Overall, the School Bus Safety Act seeks to improve safety measures for school transportation through enhanced technology, public education, and regulatory oversight.

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
As Reported By Senate Committee: 4503.03, 4503.10, 4503.102, 4503.12, 4510.036, 4511.75, 4511.751, 4511.76
As Passed By Senate: 4503.03, 4503.10, 4503.102, 4503.12, 4510.036, 4511.75, 4511.751, 4511.76