Kentucky bill would allow addition of school bus cameras to crack down on illegal passing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky lawmakers are considering the addition of cameras on school buses in an effort to stop drivers from illegally passing them.

The co-sponsors of Senate Bill 38 said there are limited penalties for drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus.

The bill would allow school districts to add cameras to stop sign arms so the camera can catch cars in the act, allowing law enforcement, including school resource officers, to find the driver.

A driver caught violating the law would face a civil penalty of $300 for a first offense, and $500 for each subsequent civil penalty given to a driver within a three-year period. However, a violation would not lead to points against a person's driving record.

That money would be collected and retained by the school district. However, if the penalty is collected through the court system, court costs may be deducted from the amount paid to the school district, according to a copy of the bill.

Law enforcement may also charge school districts a $25 fee from each civil penalty it collects for a violation that was enforced by that law enforcement agency.

The bill passed committee Wednesday morning, but needs to pass both the House and Senate chambers before it could be signed into law.

To read the current version of the bill, click here.

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