Bill S.82, introduced by Senator Brennan, aims to enhance the enforcement of traffic laws regarding school bus stop-arm violations by mandating the installation of traffic cameras on all Types I and II school buses. The bill allows for civil traffic violations to be issued based on images captured by these cameras when a vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus. Key amendments include the definition of moving violations to explicitly include passing a school bus, and the establishment of a process for law enforcement to issue civil violation complaints to the registered owner of a vehicle identified in the violation.

Additionally, the bill requires that school buses be equipped with a live digital video monitoring system that records violations, ensuring that only images of the offending vehicle's number plate are captured, while preserving privacy for occupants. The bill also repeals the previous point assessment for illegal passing of a school bus, indicating a shift towards a civil penalty 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