Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB313

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/23
• Refer: 6/9/23
• Report Pass: 1/18/24
• Refer: 1/18/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Increased penalties for failing to stop for a school bus.

Impact

The implementation of AB313 is anticipated to have a profound impact on road safety, particularly for schoolchildren. By increasing penalties and introducing a demerit point system, the bill aims to deter reckless driving behaviors around school buses, thereby enhancing the safety of children during school transport. Advocates for the bill suggest that escalating consequences for this specific traffic violation could lead to more responsible driving practices and a reduction in accidents involving children boarding or disembarking from school buses.

Summary

Assembly Bill 313 seeks to enhance the penalties for motorists who fail to stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights. The current law mandates that drivers stop at least 20 feet from a stopped school bus, and a violation typically results in a forfeiture ranging from $30 to $300. This bill proposes to significantly increase the financial penalties for non-compliance, establishing a new range of $300 to $1,000 for such violations. Alongside these enhanced fines, the bill introduces a demerit point system that would assign three points against the driving record of offenders, serving as an additional disincentive for failing to adhere to the law regarding school bus safety.

Contention

Despite its objective of improving safety, AB313 has the potential to generate debate regarding the appropriateness of the increased penalties. Critics may argue that the proposed fines and demerit points could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who may already be facing financial hardship. Additionally, opponents might express concerns over the potential for subjective enforcement of the law and the fairness of imposing harsher penalties without addressing broader issues of road safety and driver education. As discussions progress, the bill may need to address the balance between enforcement and ensuring equitable treatment of all motorists.