Legislation that would allow installation of cameras near school bus stop arms to track those who pass buses that are picking up or dropping off students has cleared the Kentucky House.

House Bill 7, sponsored by Rep. David Hale, R-Wellington, would permit enforcement of a civil penalty for vehicles that are recorded passing a school bus with a deployed stop arm. Violations could be enforced by a law enforcement agency, a certified peace officer, or school resource officer.

Civil penalties would be $300 for the first offense and $500 for each subsequent offense issued to the owner of the vehicle within a three-year period. No points would be assessed against the driving record of the owner or operator of the vehicle in violation.

While presenting the bill on the House floor, Haled told his colleagues, “It’s actually estimated, through data that has been collected, that there are somewhere in the vicinity of one thousand violations that occur each day on our roadways in Kentucky. Ask the school bus drivers in your districts. I’m sure they can tell you about things they see on a daily basis that bring possible harm to our children.”ouse floorHijoijojojiojoHoi0h0909H

The bill would allow school districts to sign contracts with vendors whereby the schools would not be out any upfront money for the equipment and installation of the cameras, since the fines would go to the vendors.

“House bill 7 makes it easier, in my opinion, for school district and law enforcement to hold distracted and careless drivers accountable for their actions,” Hale noted.

Participation in the program would be voluntary, not mandatory for school systems, under the legislation.

Hale pointed out the cameras would only be turned on when the stop arms are extended and would turn off when the stop arm is retracted. Any video of alleged violations would be sent to the vendor, who would review it and forward it to local law enforcement if a violation took place. That police agency would send the citation to the owner of the vehicle. The measure also includes an appeals process, if the alleged violator wishes to dispute it.

The bill passed 78-15 and now heads to the Senate.


 

Rep. David Hale's bill to install cameras near school bus stop arms to enforce safety has passed through the Kentucky House and advances to the Senate. (LRC photo)

• Bud Kraft LRC Photography Supervisor