Bill > HB1094

This bill modifies existing school bus safety laws by updating rules for drivers when encountering school buses with flashing warning lights. Under the revised law, drivers on highways with less than two lanes must slow to 15 miles per hour and proceed cautiously when a school bus has amber warning lights flashing, and must make a complete stop at least 15 feet from the bus when red signal lights are flashing. For highways with two or more lanes in each direction, different rules apply: drivers going in the opposite direction do not need to slow down or stop when amber or red lights are flashing, but drivers traveling in the same direction must slow to 15 miles per hour when amber lights are on and make a complete stop when red lights are flashing. The bill also adds a new provision allowing external video systems on school buses to be used as evidence in civil or criminal actions, though districts are not required to install such systems. A violation of these school bus safety rules remains classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which typically carries potential penalties including a fine and possible jail time.

Justice

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/25632