MS HB61

Amends school bus safety law to require drivers to come to a complete stop at least 10 feet from a stopped school bus and prohibits deviating from the roadway until children have crossed and the bus resumes motion or flashing lights are deactivated.

Increases penalties for first-time violation of school bus stopping requirements from a fine of $350-$750 to $750-$1,500 and up to one year imprisonment for second or subsequent offenses within five years, with 90-day license suspension added for repeat offenders.

Creates new crime of aggravated assault for causing any injury or death to a child boarding or exiting a school bus in violation of school bus safety laws, with mandatory minimum sentence of five years and maximum of 20 years imprisonment.

Designates the new school bus injury provision as the "Amiya Braxton Amendment."

Takes effect July 1, 2022.