Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB897

Introduced
9/14/23  
Refer
9/14/23  
Refer
9/20/23  
Report Pass
10/16/23  
Engrossed
10/17/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The enactment of SB897 would result in updated penalties for drivers who fail to adhere to the law regarding school bus safety, potentially leading to a decrease in related incidents. By establishing clearer guidelines on how drivers should navigate situations involving school buses, the bill is intended to promote safer driving behaviors. Additionally, it may require the Department of Motor Vehicles to update its protocols for enforcing related convictions and point allocations, affecting how drivers are assessed and penalized.

Summary

SB897 seeks to amend the existing laws pertaining to the licensing of drivers, focusing on the schedule of convictions and points accrued by drivers. It specifically addresses issues related to the rules of the road, particularly the procedures drivers must follow when meeting or overtaking school buses. The bill aims to enhance safety protocols for children and other vulnerable road users, ensuring stricter compliance with traffic regulations. The implications of these changes could lead to more rigorous enforcement of rules designed to protect school children during pick-up and drop-off times.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SB897 appears to be positive, especially among advocates for child safety and transportation safety organizations. Legislators supporting the bill believe it is a critical step towards reinforcing road safety regulations that specifically protect school children. However, there may be some contention regarding the comprehensiveness of penalties and enforcement measures, with varying opinions on whether the proposed changes are sufficient to deter non-compliance.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding SB897 lies in the balance between enforcing penalties and ensuring effective driver education about school bus safety. Some critics argue that imposing higher penalties without accompanying educational initiatives may not effectively change driver behavior. Furthermore, there is concern over the logistics of enforcing these new regulations and how local law enforcement will approach violations. The bill raises important discussions about enhancing road safety while also addressing the potential unintended consequences for everyday drivers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HB1147

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.

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 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 SB998

In rules of the road in general, further providing for racing on highways; in enforcement, further providing for disposition of impounded vehicles, combinations and loads; in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses; imposing penalties; and making editorial changes.

PA HB2266

In rules of the road in general, further providing for racing on highways; in enforcement, further providing for disposition of impounded vehicles, combinations and loads; in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses; imposing penalties; and making editorial changes.

PA SB420

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for speed timing devices; and, in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of department and local authorities.

PA HB1346

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege; in rules of the road in general, further providing for overtaking vehicle on the left and providing for vehicles passing pedestrians on a highway; in special vehicles and pedestrians, further providing for penalty for violation of subchapter; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for the offense of careless driving.

PA SB542

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for speed timing devices; and, in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of department and local authorities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.