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Senate advances school‑zone safety bill after debate over costs and local roles
Summary
The Senate moved House Bill 32 (School Zone Safety Act) to third reading after floor debate about a $500,000 one‑time appropriation for flashing lights and local responsibility for crossing guards and enforcement. Senators discussed penalties, local fiscal burdens and program scope.
The Senate put House Bill 32, the School Zone Safety Act, on the third‑reading calendar after extended debate on floor about funding, fines and local implementation.
The bill would require uniform school‑zone signage and flashing lights, define school‑zone segments for enforcement and increase penalties for speed violations in designated zones. Sponsor remarks said the measure requires a substantial local and state effort and included a $500,000 appropriation to the Utah Department of Transportation for installation and signage in fiscal year 1992–93. “This bill is put into place to handle the flashing lights and adjustments that are necessary,” the floor sponsor said.
Senators pressed whether that $500,000 is a one‑time appropriation (sponsor: to install lights) and noted that ongoing costs — notably crossing guards — would fall to local governments. Rural senators said mandatory crossing‑guard requirements could be onerous where school traffic patterns differ from urban areas. The floor also discussed latitude for judges to permit community service in lieu of fines and the input provided by the League of Cities and Counties.
Following questions and discussion the Senate voted to read HB 32 for a third time and placed it on the third‑reading calendar.
Next steps: HB 32 awaits third reading and final action in the Senate; if passed, it will go to the House or to conference depending on amendments.
