summary
Introduced
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Create new sections of KRS Chapter 158 to define terms; allow the use of camera monitoring systems on school buses operated by a school district and allow the enforcement of a civil penalty for stop arm camera violations recorded by a camera monitoring system; establish the amount of the civil penalty; require that the revenue generated from a civil penalty be retained by the school district; allow a law enforcement agency to charge a fee of $25 from every civil penalty enforced by the law enforcement agency; require specific notice for a stop arm camera violation; establish defenses to a violation; establish procedures for a contest to a violation; allow for suspension of motor vehicle registration for failure to timely pay a penalty; require a school district or law enforcement agency to notify the Transportation Cabinet of the need to release a motor vehicle registration suspension within 1 business day of payment; amend KRS 189.370 to require traffic in the opposite direction of a school or church bus to stop for the bus on a highway that is not divided by an elevated barrier or unpaved median;amend KRS 189.990 to increase the maximum fines for failing to stop for a school or church bus that is receiving or discharging passengers.
AI Summary
This bill enhances school bus safety by allowing school districts to install camera monitoring systems on buses to record stop arm violations, which are defined as a vehicle failing to stop when a school bus's stop arm is extended to pick up or drop off passengers. These violations can result in a civil penalty of $300 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses within three years, with the revenue retained by the school district, though law enforcement agencies can charge a $25 fee for enforcement. The bill also clarifies that traffic in the opposite direction of a school bus must stop on highways not divided by an elevated barrier or unpaved median, and increases the maximum fines for failing to stop for a school bus, with penalties ranging from $200-$500 for a first offense and $300-$1,000 for subsequent offenses. It establishes procedures for issuing violation notices, contesting violations with specific defenses, and outlines consequences for non-payment, including the suspension of vehicle registration.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
to Committee on Committees (S) (on 02/10/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb7.html |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/hb7/bill.pdf |
| Vote History for HB7 | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb7/vote_history.pdf |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/hb7/orig_bill.pdf |
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