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Panel approves permissive bill allowing localities to extend school‑zone flashing sign periods to 60 minutes

Transportation Subcommittee on Highway Safety and Policy · February 26, 2026

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Summary

Sen. Jones' SB 221 would allow localities to extend active school‑zone flashing sign periods from 30 to 60 minutes before and after school, aimed at urban or specialty‑center settings where students and staff arrive earlier; the subcommittee voted 7–0 to report the bill.

Senator Jones described SB 221 as a permissive measure to reinforce the 25 mph school‑zone speed limit and clearly mark school crossing zones. The key change would authorize localities to extend the flashing‑sign period from the current 30 minutes before/after school to 60 minutes in settings where students or staff arrive earlier or leave later. "The keyword is permissive, a may, not a shall," Jones said, stressing local choice for districts across the Commonwealth.

Mitchell Smiley of the Virginia Municipal League and Carolyn Hindle of the City of Richmond testified in favor, saying the change would help localities keep children, families and pedestrians safe. The subcommittee recorded a unanimous vote to report SB 221 to the full transportation committee.