Iowa illegal bus passing bill advances

DES MOINES, Iowa — The state Senate has unanimously passed legislation that would increase the penalties for motorists who pass school buses with their red lights flashing and stop arm extended, The Associated Press reports.

The bill is named after 7-year-old Kadyn Halverson, who was struck and killed by a pickup truck last year as she was walking across a road to board her school bus. Legislative leaders reportedly predicted that the bill will be sent to Gov. Terry Branstad and signed into law.

(As SBF previously reported, Branstad has expressed support for such legislation.) 

Under the Senate bill, the current fine of $200 with no possibility of jail time for a school bus-passing violation would be increased to a fine of up to $675 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense. Second offenses would result in a fine of up to $1,875 and up to a year in prison. Motorists would face stiffer penalties if they cause a serious injury or death in a bus-passing incident.

To read the full story, click here.