Connecticut House Bill HB06090

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Concerning School Buses With Extended Crossing Control Arms.

Impact

The passing of HB 06090 would lead to changes in existing regulations concerning school bus safety measures in the state. By specifically requiring new buses to have extended crossing control arms, the legislation could incentivize school districts to upgrade their transportation fleets, ensuring that they comply with the new safety standards. This could potentially result in a higher operational cost for school districts in acquiring new buses but is justified by the emphasis on child safety and accident prevention, which are paramount concerns for communities.

Summary

House Bill 06090 is a proposed legislation aimed at enhancing the safety of children during school bus operations. The bill mandates that all school buses manufactured from the year 2022 onwards must be equipped with extended crossing control arms. The intent behind this requirement is to deter motorists from illegally passing stopped school buses when children are boarding or disembarking, thus significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries associated with such behavior. This measure is seen as a proactive approach to protect vulnerable school children and improve overall safety on the roads during school hours.

Contention

While the bill has received support from many lawmakers and child safety advocates, there are potential concerns regarding the financial implications for school districts that will need to adjust their budgets to accommodate the new requirements. Some critics may argue that mandating additional equipment could create an undue financial burden, especially for smaller districts. Others may advocate for alternative safety measures that do not involve heavy spending on new bus models, such as increased public awareness campaigns or enhanced traffic enforcement around school zones.