Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1147

Introduced
5/10/23  

Caption

In rules of the road in general, further providing for meeting or overtaking school bus and for enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights.

Impact

The implementation of this legislation is expected to strengthen school bus safety measures by ensuring that vehicles stop appropriately for buses. It allows school entities to utilize automated systems for tracking violations, which can enhance the enforcement of existing traffic laws. Each offense would carry a penalty, with fines directed toward funding safety measures, thus indirectly promoting road safety surrounding school zones. The legislation empowers local authorities to manage these systems and leverage technology for improved monitoring.

Summary

House Bill 1147 amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on the rules of the road regarding school buses. The bill emphasizes the enforcement of traffic regulations requiring motorists to stop for school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop signal arms extended. It introduces provisions to allow the installation and operation of side stop signal arm enforcement systems on school buses to aid in monitoring compliance and administering penalties for violations.

Sentiment

Discussions around HB 1147 reflect a generally supportive sentiment concerning increased safety for school children. Advocates argue that such enforcement measures are necessary to prevent accidents and ensure the predictable and safe passage of students as they embark and alight from their school buses. Nonetheless, there is caution regarding the implementation of automated enforcement, with some raising concerns about privacy and the accuracy of technology used in monitoring compliance.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounds the use of side stop signal arm enforcement systems, with questions about their effectiveness and implications for due process in traffic violations. Critics argue that automated systems could potentially result in unjust fines and may not accurately capture violations. The bill allows for owners to contest violations, yet concerns remain about the fairness and transparency of the process, particularly in how evidence is stored and used in enforcement proceedings.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB851

In rules of the road in general, further providing for enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights; imposing a penalty; and making an editorial change.

PA SB65

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for meeting or overtaking school bus; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1708

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for meeting or overtaking school bus; in other required equipment, further providing for general requirements for other vehicles transporting school children; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1284

In rules of the road in general, further providing for automated enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights, for automated speed enforcement systems in active work zones and for pilot program for automated speed enforcement system on designated highway and providing for automated speed enforcement study and for pilot program for automated speed enforcement systems in designated school zones; and imposing a penalty.

PA SB897

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for meeting or overtaking school bus; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1924

In general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for automated red light enforcement systems in first class cities and for automated red light enforcement systems in certain municipalities; and, in rules of the road in general, further providing for enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights, for automated speed enforcement systems in active work zones and for pilot program for automated speed enforcement system on designated highway.

PA HB4239

Modifying the criminal penalties for overtaking or passing a stopped school bus

PA HB3454

Modifying the criminal penalties for overtaking or passing a stopped school bus

PA SB37

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for learners' permits and for examination of applicant for driver's license; in rules of the road in general, further providing for prohibiting text-based communications and providing for prohibiting use of interactive mobile device; in miscellaneous provisions relating to serious traffic offenses, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle and for the offense of aggravated assault by vehicle; in enforcement, providing for data collection and reporting relating to traffic stops; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1295

In other required equipment, further providing for general requirements for school buses; and, in size, weight and load, further providing for width of vehicles.

Similar Bills

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PA SB851

In rules of the road in general, further providing for enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights; imposing a penalty; and making an editorial change.

US SB1524

Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2024

KY HB430

AN ACT relating to school transportation and declaring an emergency.

KY SB31

AN ACT relating to bus safety.

PA HB1258

In pupils and attendance, providing for personalized education program; providing for student freedom accounts; and establishing the Student Freedom Account Program.

PA HB1284

In rules of the road in general, further providing for automated enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights, for automated speed enforcement systems in active work zones and for pilot program for automated speed enforcement system on designated highway and providing for automated speed enforcement study and for pilot program for automated speed enforcement systems in designated school zones; and imposing a penalty.

KY SB120

AN ACT relating to education.