Bill > SB38

This bill enhances school bus safety by introducing several key provisions related to school bus monitoring and traffic regulations. The bill allows school districts to install camera monitoring systems on school buses, which can capture recorded images of vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses. These camera systems must display a warning sign and the recorded images are considered private information, to be destroyed within 31 days if no violation occurs. The bill increases penalties for failing to stop for a school or church bus, raising the first-time offense fine from $100 to $500 and subsequent offense fines from $300 to $1,000. Notably, the first $300 of each fine will be transferred to the local school district to help purchase and maintain camera monitoring systems. The bill also clarifies that traffic in the opposite direction must stop for a school bus on highways without a physical median, except in cases of four-lane highways with elevated barriers. Additionally, the bill prohibits school districts from using fully autonomous vehicles as school buses or for student transportation. The provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026, providing time for school districts and law enforcement to prepare for implementation.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/sb38.html