Rhode Island mandates video systems on all school buses by 2032 for safety

Rhode Island's House Committee on Education convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the safety of schoolchildren during transportation. The proposed bill mandates that all newly purchased school buses in the state be equipped with live video monitoring systems to detect violations related to school bus stop signs. This initiative is set to take effect for buses purchased after July 1, 2027, with a complete implementation deadline of July 1, 2032.

The legislation, introduced by Representative Noray, aims to address the alarming issue of vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses, a concern echoed by various stakeholders, including school bus operators and union representatives. The bill is designed to improve safety for students, drivers, and monitors, with proponents highlighting the necessity of such measures to prevent accidents and injuries.

During the meeting, discussions revealed that the costs associated with installing these systems would primarily fall on the bus companies, which would share in the revenues generated from monitoring and issuing citations for violations. The estimated cost for equipping a bus with the necessary camera system is around $1,100, a figure deemed manageable given the long-term safety benefits.

Support for the bill was strong among committee members, with testimonies from Teamsters Local 251 emphasizing the urgency of implementing these safety measures. Union representatives noted that similar systems are already in use across the country, underscoring the need for Rhode Island to adopt such technology to protect its most vulnerable passengers—children.

However, the bill faced scrutiny from the ACLU of Rhode Island, which raised concerns about potential duplicative fines and the implications of using invasive technology. They recommended amendments to clarify the intended use of the cameras and to prevent privacy violations.

As the committee continues to deliberate on this legislation, the focus remains on ensuring that Rhode Island's school transportation system prioritizes the safety of its students while balancing the concerns of privacy and enforcement. The next steps will involve addressing the ACLU's recommendations and moving forward with the legislative process to bring this critical safety measure to fruition.