Lawmakers have yet to reach agreement on illegal bus passing law
Mississippi senators say the House version of Nathan's Law, passed last week, weakens existing legislation on illegal passing. The bill includes a charge of aggravated assault for violators, but senators believe it will be impossible to prosecute violators on that charge.
JACKSON, Miss. — State senators approved a version of Nathan's Law on Friday that was different from the version passed last Wednesday by the House. In all likelihood, the bill will be sent to a House-Senate conference committee and be changed to include elements of the different versions.
The legislation is named after a kindergartner who was killed when a man illegally passed his school bus. As previously reported by SBF, the bill got full support from the state Senate last year, but became tied up in a House committee where certain penalties and requirements were taken out.
The bill passed by the House states that drivers who pass stopped school buses will face fines of $750 for a first offense and $1,500 for a second offense committed within two years of the first, The Commercial Appeal reports. Second offenders will also have their driving privileges revoked for 90 days. Despite increased fines, senators believe the House version of the bill is weaker than the current illegal passing law.
The House bill also subjects violators to an aggravated assault charge, which is punishable by up to 20 years in jail. However, senators say it will be difficult to prosecute violators on this charge.
More Safety

America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse
Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate
Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.
Read More →
The Essential Handbook for Safe Alternative Student Transportation
Your district's "exception riders" — students with IEPs, those experiencing homelessness, foster care youth — deserve more than a middleman solution. This handbook breaks down exactly what to look for in a supplemental transportation partner: from driver vetting and regulatory compliance to proactive safety technology. Because getting a ride isn't the same as getting a safe one.
Read More →
Operation STEER Brings Emergency Response Training to North Texas
Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.
Read More →
Florida District Relaunches BusPatrol School Bus Camera Program With New Safeguards
After being suspended over due process concerns, Miami-Dade schools and law enforcement are restarting the AI-powered stop-arm camera program with new oversight.
Read More →
School Bus Laws To Watch: Seat Belt Bills, Funding Fights & EV Changes
From national bills on seat belts and driver oversight to driver awareness campaigns referencing “Finn’s Rule” and ongoing transportation funding debates in Alaska, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →
9-Year-Old Boy Killed by School Bus at Busy Brooklyn Intersection
A Williamsburg community is mourning after a child was fatally struck by a private yeshiva bus, prompting calls for urgent safety improvements at the high-traffic crossing.
Read More →
Does Reliable School Transportation Boost Attendance? EverDriven’s Data Says Yes
The new data shows 99.99% incident-free trips and strong on-time performance, reinforcing how dependable transportation, especially for vulnerable student populations, can help districts combat chronic absenteeism.
Read More →
NTSB Calls for Alcohol Impairment Systems, Seat Belts After W.V. Crash Investigation
The federal agency's report asks NHTSA to require all new school buses to be equipped with vehicle-integrated alcohol detection systems and passenger lap-shoulder belts.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Read More →
