FL H1427

Reclassifies passing a school bus on the side where children enter/exit while the bus displays a stop signal from a moving violation to reckless driving, effective October 1, 2017.

Removes the mandatory hearing requirement previously applied to this offense and instead applies reckless driving penalties under chapter 318.

Establishes a minimum civil penalty of $200 for the offense, with driver license suspension of 180 days to 1 year for second or subsequent offenses within 5 years.

Adds an additional $65 penalty for this violation to be deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund for trauma center support.

Amends related statutes (sections 318.17, 318.18, 318.19, 318.21, and 395.4036) to conform penalties, exemptions, and fund distribution provisions to the reclassification as a reckless driving offense.