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 systems installed for use under this chapter shall, at a minimum, produce a live visual image. Starting July 1, 2027, all new school buses must be equipped with these monitoring systems, and by July 1, 2032, all school buses, both new and used, must have them installed. The bill also specifies that school departments, with input and approval from the municipal police chief, may enter agreements with private entities for the provision and maintenance of these systems.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for prosecuting violations detected by these systems, specifying that jurisdiction will be shared between municipal courts and the traffic tribunal based on the issuing agency of the summons. The traffic tribunal will have jurisdiction over violations for which the summons is issued by a state agency or by a city or town that has not established a municipal court, while municipal courts will have jurisdiction over violations issued by cities or towns that have established a municipal court.

Furthermore, the bill revises the allocation of revenue generated from fines, with 40% going to the state general fund, 30% to the municipality where the violation occurred, and 30% to the vendor supplying the monitoring system. The provisions regarding revenue distribution 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