MS SB2857

Creates the "Dalen Thomas Automated School Bus Safety Camera Law" requiring all school buses purchased by school districts after July 1, 2024 to be equipped with automated safety cameras that record vehicles illegally passing stopped buses.

Authorizes school districts to contract with private vendors to install and operate automated school bus safety cameras on new buses, and allows installation on buses purchased before the 2024 deadline.

Establishes a School Bus Safety Equipment Grant Pilot Program through the State Department of Education to provide video-recording devices and electronic warning devices to school districts with high-incident routes, with grant awards based on need factors including number of high-incident routes, students transported, and district size.

Makes photographs or videos from automated safety cameras admissible as evidence in criminal or civil proceedings for violations of the school bus passing law (Section 63-3-615), but does not require such evidence for prosecution.

Permits school districts to develop a policy allowing students age 12 and older to serve as school bus assistants to help younger students load and unload safely; exempts charter schools from transportation requirements.