This bill amends existing laws regarding school bus safety enforcement by introducing live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring systems. It mandates that all new school buses must be equipped with these systems by July 1, 2027, and that all school buses, both new and used, must have them installed by July 1, 2032. The systems are required to produce a live visual image and must conform to specified requirements.

The bill outlines the procedures for prosecuting violations based on evidence from these systems, specifying that jurisdiction will be shared between municipal courts and the traffic tribunal. Specifically, the traffic tribunal will have jurisdiction over violations for which the summons is issued by a state agency or by a city or town without a municipal court, while municipal courts will handle violations issued by cities or towns with established municipal courts.

Additionally, the bill revises the allocation of revenue generated from fines imposed for violations detected by these monitoring systems. It allocates 40% to the state general fund, 30% to the municipality where the violation occurs, and 30% to the vendor providing the monitoring systems. The provisions regarding revenue allocation will only apply to new contracts or extensions entered into after the enactment of this section. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
568: 31-51-2
568  SUB A: 8-18-3
568  SUB A as amended: 8-18-3