In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to reform Pennsylvania’s automated school bus stop-arm camera enforcement program. While the program’s purpose, protecting children near school buses, is critical, its implementation has raised serious concerns, particularly in the Lehigh Valley. A recent report found more than 1,000 appeals pending across area school districts, with some drivers waiting months without a hearing. One local Lehigh Valley resident, cited during a snowstorm, filed an appeal in December and still had no response by late spring.

This bill establishes a clear and fair tiered civil penalty structure: $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $300 for a third or subsequent violation within a 12-month period. To ensure dangerous behavior is still treated seriously, the bill allows law enforcement to issue a $300 fine for egregious first-time violations, such as passing a stopped school bus at high speed or while children are visibly in the roadway.

To restore fairness, this legislation will also establish an appeals timeline, to ensure cases are heard in a reasonable timeframe. This comes from numerous public complaints regarding appeals going unanswered for months on end. If appeals go unheard beyond the established timeline, the violation is deemed withdrawn, and no fine may be imposed.

These changes will improve transparency, ensure timely hearings, and make the enforcement process more reasonable for drivers, while preserving the program’s essential goal of protecting students.

I invite you to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.