HB 1461 Summary

• Authorizes school districts to deploy school bus traffic infraction detectors (cameras) on buses to enforce violations when drivers fail to stop for school buses displaying stop signals under sections 316.172(1)(a) and 316.172(1)(b)

• Establishes a $265 penalty for violations detected by school bus traffic infraction detectors, with distribution to the school district ($170), Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund ($65), Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles ($15), and issuing county or municipality ($15)

• Requires notification to vehicle owners within 10 days of violation with 30-day payment deadline, followed by citation issuance via certified mail if unpaid; allows vehicle owners to claim affidavit exemptions if the vehicle was under another person's control or a law enforcement officer already issued a citation

• Specifies that photographic or video evidence from detectors creates a rebuttable presumption of violation and is admissible in enforcement proceedings; prohibits points against driver's licenses and use of violations for insurance rate purposes when citations are issued by traffic infraction enforcement officers

• Requires school districts deploying detectors to submit annual reports to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which must report to the Governor and Legislature; establishes specifications for detector equipment and installation by December 31, 2011