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Sponsor asks committee to reduce $1,000 stop-arm fine; members propose $500 alternative
Summary
Representative Parsons introduced House Bill 344 to change penalties for drivers who pass stopped school buses. He proposed a tiered civil fine schedule; several members urged a $500 flat civil penalty and to restore prior misdemeanor treatment for criminal enforcement. The committee agreed the sponsor will work with members on amendments.
Representative Parsons introduced House Bill 344 to the committee on a proposal to reduce penalties for drivers who pass a school bus with its stop arm extended, saying the current $1,000 fine adopted last year is too high. "A thousand dollars is way too high," Parsons said, adding he supports lowering the initial penalty and offered a tiered approach in the draft.
The bill as introduced would set civil fines at $300 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,000 for a third. Parsons…
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