The bill H.304 proposes the implementation of traffic cameras on all Types I and II school buses in Vermont to enhance enforcement against stop-arm violations. It allows for civil traffic violations to be issued based on photographic evidence captured by these cameras when a vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus. The bill amends existing laws to include new provisions regarding the operation of these cameras and the issuance of violation complaints. Specifically, it introduces a requirement for school buses to be equipped with a live digital video monitoring system that records violations, and it establishes a process for law enforcement to issue civil violation complaints based on the evidence provided by the bus operators.

Additionally, the bill makes several amendments to existing statutes, including the definition of moving violations to explicitly include passing a school bus, and it modifies the language regarding the responsibilities of vehicle operators when encountering a stopped school bus. It also repeals the previous point assessment for illegal passing of a school bus, indicating a shift in how such violations will be handled under the new system. The act is set to take effect on August 1, 2026, and will first apply to school buses operated during the 2026-2027 school year.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 23-4(44), 23-4, 23-1075, 23-1283, 23-2502