Connecticut Senate Bill SB00067

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/19
• Refer: 1/16/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Penalties For Passing A School Bus.

Impact

If enacted, SB00067 will amend existing statutes to provide stricter penalties that can potentially reduce incidents of illegal passing of school buses. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that 50% of the fines collected from these violations will be allocated back to local or regional school districts. This provision serves a dual purpose: it not only aims to enhance safety around school buses but also provides financial resources directly to schools, which can be used for safety programs or other school-related needs.

Summary

SB00067 is focused on enhancing penalties for traffic violations related to passing a school bus. The bill proposes an increase in fines to $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for subsequent offenses, along with license suspensions of sixty days and six months, respectively. These amendments are designed to reinforce the importance of school bus safety and deter drivers from engaging in dangerous behavior when children are present. The overall objective is to improve safety for students and incentivize compliance with existing traffic laws.

Contention

The discussions surrounding SB00067 may include varying perspectives on the effectiveness of increased penalties. Supporters argue that stiffer fines and license suspensions are necessary measures to ensure compliance and protect children. Conversely, there may be concerns regarding the burden of such penalties on drivers, especially those with limited financial means. Additionally, there may be debates about the appropriateness of reallocating a portion of the fines to local school districts and whether this creates any unintended consequences regarding local funding for schools.