Connecticut House Bill HB06962

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/19
• Refer: 1/30/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Crossing Control Arms Mounted On School Buses.

Impact

The proposed requirements laid out in HB 06962 are expected to positively impact state laws concerning transportation safety, particularly for minors. By formally setting a standard for fluorescent coloring on crossing control arms, the bill aims to create a uniform protocol that school buses must adhere to across the state. Increased visibility is anticipated to reduce the number of accidents occurring in situations where children are near school buses and may be in the vicinity of moving vehicles, thereby promoting safer environments for children commuting to and from school.

Summary

House Bill 06962 introduces amendments to subsection (c) of section 14-275 of the general statutes, specifically regarding the design of crossing control arms mounted on school buses. The main objective of this legislation is to mandate that the crossing control arm located at the right end of the front bumper of school buses be florescent. By enhancing the visibility of these arms, the bill seeks to bolster safety measures for children who are boarding or disembarking from school buses, particularly at bus stops or during crossings.

Contention

While the bill has been introduced with a straightforward purpose of improving safety, it may face scrutiny relating to the feasibility of implementation. Questions may arise regarding the costs associated with retrofitting existing school buses with the new florescent crossing arm design, as well as the timeline set for compliance. Industry stakeholders, such as school districts and transportation departments, might express concerns over budgeting for manufacturing adjustments and ensuring that all school buses are equipped with the updated safety measures. Ensuring that these changes do not disproportionately burden local school districts could also become a point of discussion during committee evaluations.