Connecticut House Bill HB05372

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23

Caption

An Act Increasing The Penalties For Passing A School Bus.

Summary

House Bill 05372 aims to enhance penalties for the serious traffic offense of passing a school bus while it is displaying flashing red signal lights and extending a crossing control arm. The bill introduces measures that would not only impose a monetary penalty but would also lead to a suspension of the motor vehicle operator's license and classify the act as a felony. This legislative change is primarily motivated by the need to protect children and promote safety in school zones., The proposed amendment modifies subsection (b) of section 14-279 of the general statutes, explicitly addressing the actions that constitute passing a school bus in violation of the law. The bill reflects legislators' commitment to ensuring strict adherence to traffic regulations that safeguard children's lives during school hours. The background for the bill stems from ongoing concerns about increasing incidents of traffic violations near school buses, which pose a significant risk to the safety of children when they are boarding or disembarking from yellow school buses. Supporters of the bill argue that the increased penalties will act as a deterrent against reckless driving behavior in school zones, thereby creating a safer environment for children. They believe that enforcing harsher penalties will underline the seriousness of this offense, urging drivers to exercise greater caution when in proximity to school buses. Additionally, the bill aligns with broader public safety initiatives aimed at improving overall road safety. Conversely, some critics question whether the enhanced penalties will effectively deter violations or simply lead to tougher consequences for unwitting drivers. There are concerns that classifying this offense as a felony might unintentionally stigmatize otherwise law-abiding citizens who could be caught in unfortunate circumstances, such as not noticing a school bus's signals in time. The debate surrounding HB05372 highlights the ongoing tension between enhancing public safety and maintaining fair penal measures for traffic violations.