School bus safety zone legislation signed into law

LANSING, Mich. — Last week, Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law two pieces of legislation targeting motorists who fail to exercise caution in school bus safety zones.

House Bill 4168, sponsored by state Rep. Margaret O'Brien, doubles fines for moving violations committed in a school bus safety zone. The bill also makes it a one-year misdemeanor for injuring and a 15-year felony for killing a child getting on or off a school bus. The law will take effect July 1.

House Bill 4167, sponsored by state Rep. Tom McMillin, adds the new felony offense to Michigan's sentencing guidelines. The law will also take effect July 1.

With these changes, moving violations committed in school bus safety zones will be treated similar to violations committed in work zones.

"This legislation sends a clear signal that it's not OK for drivers to disregard school bus safety zones," Snyder said.  "Drivers need to take bus stop lights seriously."