Bill > H3043

This bill authorizes cities and towns to install and operate digital video school bus violation detection monitoring systems, essentially cameras, on school buses to catch drivers who illegally fail to stop for a stopped school bus. These systems, which include a "stop arm traffic control sign" that extends from the bus when it's stopped, will capture at least two images or videos of a violating vehicle, including its license plate, date, time, and location. The captured evidence will be reviewed by a trained law enforcement officer who will then issue a citation if a violation is confirmed. Penalties for these violations are not considered criminal or moving violations, but they will be noted on the registered owner's driving record. The bill also outlines procedures for issuing citations, paying fines, contesting violations, and handling cases involving rental or leased vehicles, and specifies that any video or photographic evidence not showing a violation must be destroyed within 30 days, with evidence of violations being kept until the final disposition of any related proceedings.