School bus driver, lawmakers back bill to allow higher-resolution cameras to ID motorists who pass stopped buses

Representative Gison introduced House Bill 1537 on behalf of sponsors and said the measure would authorize higher-resolution cameras on school buses so recordings can identify drivers and vehicle details needed for prosecution.

Rob Everett, a Hudson school bus driver since 2002, testified in support, telling the committee that while drivers’ first priority is children’s safety, existing cameras often can’t capture plate numbers or vehicle specifics in real time. “I almost had two hit crossing a street a couple weeks ago because people went by the bus,” Everett said, and described the difficulty of simultaneously managing passenger safety and collecting identifying details.

Everett cited a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study indicating that common reasons motorists pass stopped buses include indifference, being in a hurry, or not knowing the law. He said the bill would not necessarily allow third-party automated ticketing; he opposed systems that outsource enforcement to private firms and said he did not see such language in the draft.

Senators asked where cameras are mounted and whether some districts already have equipment that records outside the bus; Everett said some buses have rear-facing cameras or stop-arm-mounted snapshot cameras, but he does not have those on his route and could not speak for other contractors. Committee members also clarified that use of higher-resolution images would be to support prosecution under existing warrant and evidentiary rules.

The committee closed the hearing on HB1537; members indicated they had heard from proponents and would consider the bill in committee work sessions.

The next step is committee consideration and any drafting of amendments; no formal vote on the bill was taken at the hearing.