HB229 Summary

• Prohibits school bus drivers from using mobile telephones or additional technology (cameras, email, music, Internet, games) while operating a school bus in motion on public or private roads and vehicular areas.

• Exempts use of mobile phones in stationary, parked school buses and permits emergency communications for medical concerns, unsafe road conditions, public safety matters, or mechanical problems.

• Defines mobile telephone broadly to include hand-held devices, hands-free devices, and two-way radios like citizens band radios.

• Violations constitute a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $500 and assessment of up to 2 points on the driver's license; repeat offenders employed by public school systems may have their school bus driver certificate suspended or revoked by the State Superintendent of Education.

• Preempts local governments from passing ordinances regulating mobile telephone use by school bus operators and specifies that violation does not constitute negligence per se in damage recovery actions.