New Jersey Senate Bill S141

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires video camera on certain school buses with crossing control arms.

Impact

If passed, S141 will significantly modify the existing regulations surrounding the operation and safety technology related to school buses in New Jersey. Within 37 months following enactment, all educational institutions, including agencies, boards of education, nonpublic schools, and school bus contractors, will be required to submit a comprehensive list of their transport vehicles and specify which ones are equipped with the mandated video cameras. This measure is expected to create a more secure environment for student transportation and enhance the enforcement of compliance with existing traffic laws aimed at protecting school children.

Summary

Senate Bill S141 aims to enhance safety measures for school buses by requiring that all new or used school buses acquired after a set period are equipped with video cameras. The initiative is designed to assist in enforcing laws that prohibit vehicles from passing school buses while passengers are boarding or disembarking. Specifically, video cameras are mandated to be installed on or adjacent to the crossing control arm—a crucial safety feature—approved by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The bill is positioned to improve accountability and safety for elementary school students who depend on school bus transportation.

Contention

While supporters of S141 advocate for the bill as a necessary step to curb safety violations and protect students, there may be concerns about the financial burden it places on educational institutions for equipping their fleets. Additionally, there could be discussions regarding privacy implications surrounding the use of video equipment on school buses. As the bill moves through legislative processes, there may be calls for amendments or clarifications on how the camera footage will be managed and who will access it, ensuring compliance with privacy standards.