Bill > HB2137

This bill authorizes the Kansas Department of Education to contract with a private vendor to install, operate, and maintain stop signal arm video recording devices on school buses to capture and penalize drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. Under the proposed law, school districts must first vote to participate, and any vendor contract must specify compensation and data reporting requirements. When a violation is detected, the Kansas Highway Patrol will review recorded images, and if verified, the Department of Education will send a $250 civil penalty notice to the vehicle's registered owner. The owner can contest the violation with specific defenses, such as the vehicle being stolen or already sold. Recorded images will be confidential and retained for a limited time, with the vendor required to destroy images showing no violation after 28 business days. The bill creates a School Bus Safety and Education Fund to support the program, with revenues from civil penalties used for vendor expenses, public education, and safety initiatives. The Department of Education must provide an annual report to the legislature detailing the total number of violations, notices issued, and penalties collected. The law will take effect upon publication and is set to expire on July 1, 2028, unless the legislature chooses to extend it.

Education

Education (House)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2137/