Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes rules to improve school bus safety, including cameras to capture traffic violations, increasing penalties for drivers who illegally pass school buses, and expanding public education efforts in Ohio.

Highlights:

• Defines the month of August as “School Bus Safety Awareness Month” to promote public importance of school bus stops and safety laws (Sec. 5.501).

• Establishes the School Bus Safety Fund to collect fines from school bus violations and provide grants for added school bus improvements and safety measures, including external cameras, illuminated stop arms, panic alert systems, and collision avoidance technology (Sec. 3327.19).

• Requires all deputy registrars and driver exam stations to display visual graphics that remind drivers to stop for school buses when loading or unloading children (Sec. 4503.030).

• Increases penalties and fines for illegally passing a stopped school bus, including mandatory appearances in court, increased fines for repeat offenses, driver’s license suspensions, and mandatory attendance at a school bus safety course (Sec. 4511.75).

Full Bill Text