Clermont Times

State Representative Adam Bird of New Richmond has expressed his support for House Bill 3, known as the "School Bus Safety Act." The bill aims to enhance school bus safety through several measures, including increasing penalties for violations and providing grant funding for schools to acquire necessary equipment.

Rep. Bird highlighted the significance of the role played by school bus drivers, stating, “Being a school bus driver is an important and difficult job. We are thankful for the work they do, and it is my intention that this bill will help drivers safely deliver students to school.”

Key provisions in the School Bus Safety Act include heightened penalties for illegally passing stopped school buses and authorizing the installation of cameras on buses to record such violations. Additionally, the act proposes a School Bus Safety Fund & Grant Program to assist schools in improving safety features on their buses. Public education initiatives on school bus safety are also part of the proposed changes, along with designating August as “School Bus Safety Month.”

The bill seeks to reinforce enforcement against violations related to school bus safety while promoting safer transportation options and educating drivers about their legal responsibilities. These efforts aim to reduce accidents and improve student safety.

House Bill 3 will now proceed to the Senate for further deliberation.