Lawmakers push new illegal bus passing bill

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — State lawmakers are pushing a bill in the Senate that would enable local jurisdictions to monitor and ticket drivers who illegally pass school buses using video cameras mounted on the buses. Violators would be eligible for a fine up to $250.

Under the bill, school bus drivers would be responsible for notifying law enforcement and handing over the video footage if their bus is illegally passed, according to Sen. Joseph M. Getty (R-Baltimore and Carroll counties).

The legislation outlines few restrictions for jurisdictions that want to implement the program; one is that a law enforcement officer must be employed to review the footage and issue tickets, The Washington Examiner reports.    

Getty told The Washington Examiner that local officials would be responsible for choosing their video surveillance equipment and hours of operation.

Currently, drivers can receive up to three points and a $1,000 fine if they illegally pass a stopped school bus in Maryland.