Sen. Baker's school bus safety bill unanimously passes Transportation Committee

Yahoo

26-03-2025

Mar. 26—WILKES-BARRE — Sen. Lisa Baker on Wednesday said the alarming number of violations involving vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses makes it clear — more must be done to protect students.
Baker, R-Lehman Township, said the Senate Transportation Committee voted unanimously to advance a critical piece of legislation she introduced to strengthen school bus safety laws and better protect children.
"Every day, children across the commonwealth rely on school buses for safe transport, and it is our duty to ensure that safety is upheld to the highest standard," said Baker.
Baker said her Senate Bill 65 increases the required stopping distance for opposing drivers from 10 feet to 15 feet, creating a greater buffer for children entering and exiting the bus.
Baker said the bill also creates penalties for repeat offenders who fail to stop when a school bus has engaged its red signal lights and side stop arm, including higher fines and mandatory driver education.
For a second or subsequent conviction, Baker said a person receives the same five points on their license and a 60-day driver's license suspension, plus a fine of no less than $500 and a $35 surcharge to the School Bus Safety Grant Program.
Additionally, Baker said they must either attend a driver improvement school or undergo a special examination, as determined by PennDOT.
The legislation also modifies the penalty for first-time offenders, giving judges the ability to impose a fine between $250 and $500, rather than the current flat $250 fine, as egregious violations warrant.
For the first time, Baker said the bill establishes penalties for drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights, ensuring greater accountability.
Baker said the need for these changes is underscored by alarming statistics. During "Operation Safe Stop" in October 2024, law enforcement officials and bus drivers in just 22 school districts reported 131 violations in a single day — demonstrating the ongoing risks faced by Pennsylvania students.
"This legislation sends a strong message that we will not tolerate reckless driving around school buses, and I look forward to seeing it advance through the Senate," said Baker.
The measure is supported by the Pennsylvania School Bus Association.
The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.