FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — A bill that would allow cameras on Kentucky school buses to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped buses is moving forward in the state Senate.
House Bill 7 cleared the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee with unanimous support after already passing the House. The measure now heads to the full Senate.
The bill would let school districts use camera systems on buses to record stop-arm violations. Under the proposal, law enforcement would review the footage and determine whether a violation occurred. First-time offenders would face a $300 civil penalty, while repeat offenders within three years would face a $500 penalty. Revenue from those penalties would stay with the school district, though law enforcement could keep a $25 enforcement fee from each penalty.
Supporters say the goal is to improve student safety as children get on and off buses. Lawmakers backing the bill said illegal passing remains a serious and frequent problem across the state.
