HB 269 - School Bus Safety Program

• Authorizes school districts to deploy school bus traffic infraction detectors (cameras) on buses to enforce laws requiring drivers to stop when approaching a school bus displaying a stop signal.

• Establishes a $265 penalty for violations of s. 316.172(1)(a) or (b), with revenue distributed to the violating school district ($170), Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund ($65), Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles ($15), and the issuing county or municipality ($15).

• Requires notification to vehicle owners within 10 days of violations with 30 days to pay or submit an affidavit; if unpaid, a traffic citation is mailed within 45 days; vehicle owners can claim exemptions if the vehicle was directed by law enforcement, in another's care/custody, or the driver was cited by law enforcement.

• Specifies that traffic infraction enforcement officers (not law enforcement) may issue citations for these violations; submitting false affidavits is a second-degree misdemeanor.

• Prohibits points from being assessed to driver's licenses and prevents such violations from being used for motor vehicle insurance rate purposes when enforced by traffic infraction enforcement officers.