To increase the penalty for passing a school bus and causing injury
Impact
The implications of HB2853 are significant for state law as it aims to create a tougher stance against reckless driving near school buses. By raising the monetary fines and introducing jail time for violations that cause serious injury or death, the bill intends to reinforce the legal obligations of drivers when they encounter school buses. This change in law would enhance the existing framework intended to provide protection for children, promoting safer interactions on the road between motorists and students entering or exiting school buses.
Summary
House Bill 2853 seeks to amend existing traffic laws in West Virginia regarding the penalties associated with the act of passing a school bus while it is in operation, particularly focusing on instances that result in injury or death. The bill proposes to significantly increase the penalties for violations, making them more stringent to deter such dangerous behavior and enhance the safety of school children during transport. The proposed fines and potential prison terms for repeat offenders are intended to reflect the seriousness of these violations.
Sentiment
Public and legislative sentiment towards HB2853 appears to be largely supportive, with advocates emphasizing the need to protect children from negligent driving behaviors. Stakeholders, including school officials and parents, have voiced approval, suggesting that a stricter penalty regime may lead to better compliance and awareness among drivers. However, some concerns were raised about whether the increased penalties might be excessive, potentially leading to disproportionate consequences for minor infractions, which could attract opposition from certain civil rights advocates.
Contention
Notable points of contention in discussions around HB2853 revolve around the balance between enforcing safety and ensuring fairness in law enforcement. Critics have pointed out that while the intent to protect children is commendable, the bill's provisions might result in overly punitive measures that could affect individuals who unintentionally violate the law. There is an ongoing debate regarding how effectively the bill’s stringent penalties will deter dangerous driving without leading to unjust outcomes for drivers who may not pose a genuine threat.
Creating a crime for injuring or causing death of certain authorized emergency vehicle operators and establishing penalties therefor and increasing penalties for unlawful passing of stationary authorized emergency vehicle.
Increasing penalties and creating a crime for injuring or causing death of certain authorized emergency vehicle operators for unlawful passing of stationary authorized emergency vehicle.