The bill S. 406 aims to enhance the enforcement of laws regarding the passing of school buses in South Carolina. It introduces a new section, 56-5-2790, which holds vehicle owners or operators liable to the Department of Education for violations of the existing law concerning school bus safety. The bill establishes a civil penalty structure for violations, with fines increasing for subsequent offenses, and outlines a process for notifying vehicle owners of penalties. Additionally, it allows for the suspension of vehicle registration for those who fail to pay penalties related to passing a school bus, as well as for outstanding judgments related to toll violations.

Furthermore, the bill adds Section 59-67-235, which mandates that school bus operators report to the Department of Education if a vehicle fails to stop when the bus's amber signals are activated. It also amends Section 56-3-1335 to include provisions for suspending vehicle registrations for those with outstanding judgments for passing a school bus, thereby reinforcing the consequences of such violations. Overall, the bill seeks to improve safety for schoolchildren by ensuring stricter compliance with traffic laws related to school buses.

Statutes affected:
03/04/2025: 56-5-2790, 56-5-2770, 59-67-235, 56-3-1335
03/05/2025: 56-5-2790, 56-5-2770, 59-67-235, 56-3-1335
Latest Version: 56-5-2790, 56-5-2770, 59-67-235, 56-3-1335