STATEHOUSE (March 13, 2019)—The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee voted in support of legislation sponsored by State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Denver) that would strengthen the penalties for individuals who fail to stop when a school bus stop arm is extended. When school buses stop to pick up or drop off children, their stop arms extend and lights flash to signal other drivers to stop as students get on or off the bus. Manning said most drivers follow the law and obey stop arms, but some do not and put children in danger. Last year, an accident in Fulton County claimed the lives of three children who were struck by an oncoming car as they crossed the road to board their school bus.
Manning said the legislation would also improve safety by ensuring school corporations review scheduled bus routes each year, and avoid making students cross state highways to board or get off a school bus. Senate Bill 2 now goes to the full House for consideration. To learn more, visit iga.in.gov.