LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
200 W. Washington St., Suite 301
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-0696
iga.in.gov
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6023 NOTE PREPARED: Jan 18, 2024
BILL NUMBER: SB 30 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: School Bus Stop Arm Violation Enforcement.
FIRST AUTHOR: Sen. Niemeyer BILL STATUS: As Passed Senate
FIRST SPONSOR: Rep. Slager
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
XDEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: The bill provides that the registered owner of a vehicle commits an infraction if
the registered owner's vehicle does not stop on a roadway or a private road when the school bus arm signal
device is in the device's extended position. It provides a defense for a registered owner who was not driving
the vehicle at the time of the violation. The bill requires a registered owner who uses a defense to provide
any documentation, and to fully cooperate with law enforcement regarding the person who may be
responsible for the violation. It specifies that: (1) the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) may not assess points
for a violation; and (2) an adjudication for a violation does not create a presumption of liability in a civil
action.
Effective Date: July 1, 2024.
Explanation of State Expenditures: This bill specifies that the BMV may not assess points to registered
owners of vehicles for school bus stop arm violations who were not operating a vehicle during the
commission of the offense. This provision is expected to have no impact on agency workload as individuals
are currently only issued points for the commission of a moving violation.
Explanation of State Revenues: This bill provides that a registered owner of a vehicle that passes a school
bus with an extended stop arm commits a Class B infraction, depending on circumstances outlined in the bill.
Under current law, an individual who operates a vehicle that passes a school bus with an extended stop arm
commits a Class A infraction under IC 9-21-12-1. As a result of this bill, there could be additional individuals
charged with Class B infraction violations that were not operating, but are the registered owner of, a vehicle
that illegally passes a school bus.
SB 30 1 Penalty Provision: The maximum judgment for a Class B infraction is $1,000, which would be deposited
in the state General Fund. The total court fee revenue per case would range between $85.50 and $103. The
amount of court fees deposited will vary depending on whether the case is filed in a court of record or a
municipal court. The following linked document describes the fees and distribution of the revenue: Court
fees imposed in criminal, juvenile, and civil violation cases.
If a criminal action, infraction or ordinance violation involves a traffic violation, including this proposed
offense, additional fees may be assessed.
Explanation of Local Expenditures:
Explanation of Local Revenues: Penalty Provision: If additional court actions occur and a judgment is
entered, more revenue will be collected by certain local units. If the case is filed in a court of record, the
county will receive $33.90 and qualifying municipalities will receive a share of $2.10. If the case is filed in
a municipal court, the county receives $20, and the municipality will receive $33.50. The following linked
document describes the fees and distribution of the revenue: Court fees imposed in criminal, juvenile, and
civil violation cases.
State Agencies Affected: BMV.
Local Agencies Affected: Trial courts, local law enforcement agencies.
Information Sources: Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual
Fiscal Analyst: Bill Brumbach, 317-232-9559.
SB 30 2