The proposed School Bus Safety Act, introduced by Senator Gavarone, aims to enhance school bus safety in Ohio through various amendments to existing laws and the introduction of new provisions. Key features include the establishment of a civil penalty system for drivers who illegally pass school buses but cannot be identified, alongside the creation of a school bus safety fund financed by these penalties. This fund will provide grants to school districts for improving safety features on school buses, which will include external cameras, crossing arms, and collision avoidance systems. The bill also designates August as "School Bus Safety Awareness Month" to raise public awareness about the importance of stopping for school buses when they are loading or unloading passengers.

In addition to school bus safety measures, the bill proposes amendments to the motor vehicle registration process, including a centralized system for registration renewal that allows for mail or electronic renewals. It mandates that deputy registrars accept electronic payments for registration fees and clarifies that failure to receive a renewal notice does not exempt vehicle owners from their renewal obligations. The bill also enhances the enforcement of school bus safety laws by allowing individuals to report violations and requiring law enforcement agencies to investigate these reports. It establishes penalties for violations, including fines and potential license suspensions, and outlines the procedures for issuing notices of violation. Overall, the bill aims to improve vehicle registration processes while ensuring the safety of school children during transportation.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4503.10, 4503.102, 4503.12, 4511.75, 4511.751, 4511.76, 4511.752