Bill > S2267

This bill authorizes cities and towns to install and operate live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring systems to enforce laws requiring vehicles to stop for school buses. These systems, which include cameras and computers, will capture images and video of vehicles failing to stop when a school bus has its flashing red lights activated and its stop arm extended, indicating children are boarding or alighting. The bill defines a "school bus violation detection monitoring system" and a "stop arm traffic control sign," and outlines procedures for issuing citations, including requirements for evidence files, affidavits from trained observers, and notification to vehicle owners. Penalties for violations will not be considered criminal convictions or moving violations for insurance purposes, but will be noted on the owner's driving record. Fines collected will go to the city or town where the offense occurred. The bill also details procedures for contesting citations, including hearings and appeals, and specifies exceptions to liability. It mandates that recorded images not identifying a violation be destroyed within 30 days, and those identifying a violation be destroyed within one year of final disposition, with annual reporting to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation on system usage and revenue.