Bill > H0304

This bill modifies Vermont's traffic laws regarding school bus safety by expanding the definition of a moving violation to include illegally passing a school bus, and introducing new requirements for school bus equipment and enforcement of school bus passing violations. Specifically, the bill mandates that school buses be equipped with a digital video monitoring system that can capture images of vehicles illegally passing a stopped school bus, with strict guidelines about image recording and preservation. The legislation also establishes a new enforcement mechanism where a law enforcement officer must issue a civil violation complaint to the registered owner of a vehicle within 10 days if a school bus operator provides a sworn statement (under penalty of perjury) with supporting photographic evidence that the vehicle illegally passed a stopped school bus. Interestingly, the bill removes the previous five-point assessment for illegally passing a school bus and sets an implementation date of August 1, 2026, which will first apply to school buses operated during the 2026-2027 school year. The overall intent appears to be enhancing school bus safety by creating a more systematic and technological approach to detecting and penalizing drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.304