Lawmakers push new illegal bus passing bill
The legislation would allow local jurisdictions to monitor and ticket drivers who illegally pass school buses using video cameras mounted on the buses. School bus drivers would be responsible for reporting incidents and handing over video footage to law enforcement personnel to review and issue the tickets.
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 TheWashington 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.
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