HB183 Summary: Alabama School Bus Safety Act

• Authorizes county and municipal boards of education to establish civil enforcement programs using automated detection devices to capture vehicles overtaking stopped school buses, with civil fines up to $250 mailed to vehicle owners.

• Presumes vehicle owner is responsible for violations but allows responsibility transfer to actual operator through specified procedures, or contestation of violations in district or municipal court using preponderance of evidence standard.

• Permits law enforcement agencies and local governing entities to contract with private vendors for device installation, operation, and administration under board approval by ordinance or resolution.

• Distributes collected fines (after operational costs) as follows: 40% to county/municipal governing body, 40% to school system, 10% to State Department of Education, and 10% to Alabama Department of Public Safety.

• Prevents unpaid fines from resulting in vehicle license issuance/renewal, title transfer, or driver's license issuance/renewal; prohibits violation from affecting driving record, insurance rates, or criminal proceedings; allows appeals to circuit court with preponderance of evidence standard.