Here for Our Children, Senator Bill Weber Votes to Increase Penalties for Passing a School Bus

New York State Senator Bill Weber has proven time and again that standing up for our vulnerable youth and ensuring their safety is a priority for him. This is why the Senator voted for the passage of a new bill to increase penalties for the violation of overtaking and passing a school bus. 

Senate Bill S9504, sponsored by New York State Senator Jeremy A. Cooney (D, WF) 56th Senate District recently passed the senate and comes at an opportune time as New York's school children are getting ready to head back to school.

Under the new bill, the maximum fine for passing a school bus with its stop arm out would increase from $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense to $1,500. It would also result in the suspension of the driver's vehicle registration after the third violation caught on a school bus camera within 18 months.

"I was happy to vote with all of my senate colleagues in favor of this important bill, which passed unanimously," says New York State Senator Bill Weber. "Your kids take the bus; my kids take the bus, and raising awareness and concern for school bus safety is critical. I am pleased that the importance of this bill was recognized by all of my senate colleagues' unanimous vote. Hopefully, the governor will sign the bill into law soon, as the launch of the new school year is just around the corner."

Since last year, all of Rockland County's school districts have partnered with Bus Patrol to equip their school buses with stop-arm cameras at no cost to taxpayers as every day, an estimated 50,000 cars pass a stopped school bus in New York State, putting the lives of school children at risk. Rockland County's program has worked to crack down on drivers passing buses illegally.

According to the bill, a first conviction could result in a fine of $250 to $400 or imprisonment of less than thirty days. A second violation within three years could result in a $600 to $750  fine or imprisonment of less than 180 days.  A third violation within three years would result in a $750 to $2,000 fine or imprisonment of 180 days to a year. As an additional deterrent to passing a stopped school bus, this bill would allow the DMV to suspend a vehicle's registration for a third camera violation within 18 months. Any registration suspension would be for six months. 

By enacting this legislation, New York will take more significant action in addressing the crisis of vehicles passing stopped school buses.s

The bill now awaits the governor's signature before it becomes law.