HB 111 - School Bus Safety Camera Systems

• School districts and charter schools may install external camera systems on school buses to capture license plate images of vehicles illegally passing buses with flashing red lights.

• Buses equipped with cameras must display a 6-inch red and white reflective warning tape stating "Fine for Passing When Red Lights Are Flashing" on front and back, and districts must issue at least one annual public service announcement warning of the camera system.

• Vehicle owners face civil penalties of $250 for first offense, increasing by $250 for each subsequent offense within 10 years, not to exceed $750 total per offense, with additional late payment fees up to $30 if unpaid beyond 90 days.

• Vehicle owners can rebut the presumption of liability by providing an affidavit that they were not the operator or by submitting a police report showing the vehicle was stolen prior to the violation.

• Fines collected are used to reimburse the private vendor or manufacturer and applicable state agencies for installation, operation, and maintenance costs of the camera systems.