The bill, H.B. No. 1282, aims to enhance the enforcement of laws prohibiting the illegal passing of school buses by allowing the use of recorded images and video from school bus infraction detection systems. It introduces a new definition for "school bus infraction detection system," which is described as a camera system attached to a school bus that captures video and photographic images to detect violations of Section 545.066 of the Transportation Code. Additionally, the bill clarifies that local authorities are generally prohibited from implementing photographic traffic signal enforcement systems, but makes an exception for school bus infraction detection systems operated by school districts or open-enrollment charter schools.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to specify that local authorities cannot issue civil or criminal charges based on images from photographic traffic signal enforcement systems, with the exception of charges related to violations detected by school bus infraction detection systems. This allows municipalities, counties, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools to issue citations based on evidence collected from these systems. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 707.001, Transportation Code 707.020, Transportation Code 707.021 (Transportation Code 707)