Bill would allow statement from school bus drivers, aides on stop-arm runners

INDIANAPOLIS — A state lawmaker has filed legislation that would let school bus drivers and monitors provide a statement after witnessing a motorist illegally passing a school bus.

The proposed bill, SB 326, would allow school bus drivers and monitors to provide a signed affidavit stating that they witnessed a motorist commit the misdemeanor of passing a school bus while the stop arm was extended.

The proposed bill also lets crossing guards provide these statements.

“Last session, I introduced a bill similar to this one that many Hoosiers thought was important,” Sen. Eric Bassler said in a news release. “By filing this bill, I hope to increase safety for students traveling by bus while minimizing school bus stop-arm violations in Indiana.”

SB 326 would also allow law enforcement to give a citation to motorists who violate the school bus stop arm if a signed affidavit has been completed.

If a motorist has been found to have illegally passed a school bus with its stop arm extended, they would be cited with a Class B misdemeanor, which would include a fine of up to $1,000. If a motorist has been found to have illegally passed a school bus with its stop arm extended and caused bodily injury to a person, they would be cited with a Class A misdemeanor, which would include a fine of up to $5,000.