Bill > H2958

This bill authorizes cities and towns to install and operate digital video systems on school buses to detect drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus, a violation that occurs when a driver fails to stop for a school bus that is displaying its flashing red lights and has its stop arm extended, which is a sign indicating that children are boarding or alighting. These systems, referred to as "school bus violation detection monitoring systems," will capture images and video of vehicles committing this violation, and the evidence will be reviewed by law enforcement to issue citations. Penalties for these violations are not considered criminal convictions or moving violations for insurance purposes, but they will be recorded on the owner's driving record. The bill also outlines procedures for issuing citations, contesting violations, and handling unpaid fines, including potential suspension of driver's licenses and vehicle registrations. Additionally, it specifies how revenue generated from these violations will be used, including reimbursement for system costs, and mandates the destruction of recorded data that does not show a violation within a specified timeframe.