Bill > HB723

This bill requires local authorities and school districts to install school bus monitoring systems (cameras) on school buses used to transport students, and mandates that any offenses captured by these systems be immediately reported to local law enforcement. Specifically, the bill requires reporting of traffic violations under Section 545.066 and offenses under certain sections of the Penal Code that are recorded by the bus cameras. The recorded images can be used as evidence in legal proceedings. Local authorities and school districts are allowed to contract for the installation of these monitoring systems, and those that have already implemented such systems before September 1, 2025, are exempt from the new requirements. The bill also makes an exception to existing laws that generally prohibit the use of photographic traffic enforcement systems, allowing these school bus monitoring systems to be used for evidence and enforcement. While the bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, local authorities and school districts are not required to fully comply with the new requirements until September 1, 2027, providing a transition period for implementation.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB723