Panel hears bill to require violation-detection cameras on new school buses statewide

The House Education Committee heard testimony on House Bill 5421, which would require that school buses newly purchased on or after July 1, 2027 be equipped with a live-video school bus violation detection monitoring system.

Representative (sponsor) introduced the bill, saying the measure would promote student and driver safety and provide a five-year window for full statewide implementation so that districts and vendors could budget and equip buses. The sponsor said some districts, like Providence and West Warwick, already use cameras on some buses and that a single camera and monitoring device costs in his/her estimate roughly $1,100 to install, while the camera portion could be about $500.

Paul McDonald, testifying on behalf of Teamsters Local 251, called the bill “long overdue,” said Teamsters represent school bus drivers in multiple municipalities, and urged passage. He described drivers’ complaints that motorists often pass stopped buses and said camera enforcement helps hold violators accountable.

Andy Andre (Wright) and a representative identified as Andy Andrade (Wright) said many newer buses already include multiple onboard cameras, and procurement requests for proposals (RFPs) could include camera equipment going forward. They said typical placement is designed to capture license plates of passing vehicles when the bus stop arm is deployed; several members asked about where cameras would be mounted and how they activate when the stop arm is extended.

Stephen Brown of the ACLU of Rhode Island recommended two amendments: (1) remove language that would create potential duplicate penalties by cross-referencing another statute that also bans passing school buses and (2) delete a phrase that would require cameras “at a minimum” to capture school-bus traffic violations because that language could permit purchase of broader surveillance technology capable of collecting unrelated personal data. Brown said cameras generally do not measure distance and cautioned against enabling duplicate fines and use of overly broad or invasive camera systems.

Committee members asked about who would bear costs; the sponsor said districts or contractors can lease installations and sometimes share monitoring revenue, citing Providence’s current model. Members also asked whether research exists showing a measurable reduction in injuries; the sponsor said he would try to obtain studies. Multiple witnesses suggested the burden could be included in bus procurement specifications and that many vendors already install cameras as part of newer buses.

The committee did not take a final vote on the bill during the hearing and the bill was included on the list the committee voted to hold for further study in a procedural motion earlier in the meeting.