SB 1440: School Bus Safety

• School districts may install side stop signal arm enforcement systems on school buses to enforce violations of section 316.172 (failing to stop for a stopped school bus).

• Private vendors or manufacturers submit recorded images and violation information to law enforcement within 30 days; law enforcement reviews evidence and electronically certifies notices of violation.

• Motor vehicle owners receive mailed notices of violation and may pay $200 fines (for section 316.172(1)(a) violations) or $400 fines (for section 316.172(1)(b) violations) as final disposition; unpaid penalties trigger registration nonrenewal and title transfer prohibitions.

• Equipment must not enable remote surveillance, recorded images may only document violations of section 316.172, and all recorded images must be destroyed within 90 days after case disposition; owners are not liable if their vehicle was reported stolen at time of violation.

• School districts must post warning signs on equipped buses and submit annual reports by December 31st detailing citations issued and funds collected; the State Board of Education must establish equipment specifications by December 31, 2021.