House Transportation Committee advances higher school‑bus fines, tightens temporary restricted licenses and clears collector‑vehicle titling changes; hears OHV,

The House Transportation Committee on Oct. 12 advanced multiple transportation measures and heard extended public testimony on off‑highway vehicle (OHV) complaints from residents in suburban and rural districts.

The committee approved a stepped package of bills: House Bill 12‑94 to raise the fine for first offenses of passing a stopped school bus, House Bill 13‑16 to add fines and a short revocation period for repeat violations by holders of temporary restricted driver's licenses, House Bill 11‑55 to modernize equipment and titling exemptions for certain collector or special‑interest motor vehicles, and two other bills including amendments on authorized flashing lights for tow/wrecker vehicles and a local‑control golf‑cart ordinance. Committee members also heard multiple public witnesses about damage and safety concerns caused by OHV riders on or near subdivisions; the committee closed that hearing and requested follow‑up research on county authority and home‑rule ordinances.

Why it matters: The measures put new penalties and administrative tools in place that committee members and law‑enforcement witnesses said could change driver behavior, support enforcement, and update rules that have not kept pace with vehicle changes. Several bills now move to be carried by committee senators to the next floor action.

Key actions and debate

School‑bus penalties (House Bill 12‑94) Representative Anna Novak, sponsor, said the bill “increases the first offense to a fine of $250 up from $100,” citing numerous local incidents where drivers failed to stop for deployed stop‑arms on rural highways. Novak and public safety witnesses described situations in which children must cross state roads to reach bus stops and bus drivers are often unable to note a license plate. Chief Frank Sen of Beulah told the committee his department performs routine school‑patrols and supported the increase, saying higher fines produced a measurable deterrent in his city when local fines were doubled. The committee recorded public testimony from bus‑service operators and parents describing frequent stop‑arm infractions statewide.

Temporary restricted licenses (House Bill 13‑16) Representative Dan Ruby introduced the bill as aimed at drivers who repeatedly violate while…