Bill > HB1537

This bill addresses the issue of identifying and prosecuting drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses by allowing the installation of high-resolution cameras on school bus stop bars (the mechanical arm with a "STOP" sign that extends from the side of a school bus). The bill defines key terms such as "stop bar," "high resolution camera," and "video continuity tracking," and provides detailed guidelines for video recording. School bus operators can choose to install video recording devices that capture clear footage of drivers who violate school bus laws, with the videos being time and date stamped and digitally tracked to prevent tampering. The recordings can only be used to supplement bus driver observations and help identify vehicles and drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. Videos must be preserved depending on the circumstances: they will be kept until prosecutors decide whether to pursue charges, for 4 years if an accident occurs, or erased within 7 days if not needed for investigation. The bill requires that buses with such cameras must have a visible citation indicating external video monitoring may occur, but installation is not mandatory. The legislation aims to enhance child safety by providing a technological tool to document and potentially prosecute dangerous driving behavior around school buses.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1805&inflect=2