‘If it saves one life' | Kentucky bill targets drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses | Politics

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky lawmakers want all school districts to install cameras on buses to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped buses.

"I was hit by a truck after getting off of a school bus, and it did change my life," said State Rep. Bobby McCool, R-Van Lear. "I was very blessed, very fortunate to live through it. I'm a lucky one. The next one may not be."

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle said the goal of House Bill 7 is to hold drivers accountable while improving student safety.

Thousands of kids ride the school bus in Hardin County. Officials said it’s not uncommon for cars to whirl past while those children are trying to cross the street.

Roughly 70% of Hardin County Schools' buses have cameras below their stop arm to catch reckless drivers.

HCS Director of Transportation Chris Corder said he catches close calls on camera "multiple times a day." When drivers illegally pass a stopped bus, he sends video and a photo of their license plate to local law enforcement.

"I can honestly say, five years since we've had those cameras, that things haven't gotten any better," Corder said.

Lawmakers want to mount similar cameras to school buses across Kentucky.

"This is not a mandate," HB 7's sponsor State Rep. David Hale said. "If they want to participate, they can."

The equipment comes with a hefty price tag. However, districts wouldn't have to pay upfront under HB 7. Instead, the system would be violator-funded.

First-time offenders would face a $300 fine. Repeat violations would jump to $500. That money would then go back to schools to maintain these cameras and pay back vendors.

"It makes it easier for school districts and law enforcement to hold distracted and careless drivers accountable for their actions," Hale said.

Police would review the footage, confirm a violation, and contact the driver, who would have 60 days to appeal.

Hale said if the citation still isn't paid, it could "result in a suspension of their registration of that motor vehicle."

The proposal is uniting lawmakers in Frankfort. In February, it passed in the House 78-15.

"I think it's really a great safety measure for our school buses," said State Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, D-Louisville.

"And if it saves one life, it's worth it," McCool said.

House Bill 7 now heads to the Senate for consideration.