HF1950

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to enforce stricter penalties for drivers who violate the school bus stop arm law in Minnesota. The bill aims to enhance road safety for school children by imposing mandatory fines for such violations.

Main Provisions

• Increased Fines: The bill stipulates an increase in fines for drivers who fail to stop for school buses as required by law. Specifically:

  • A minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.
  • A minimum fine of $700 for a second offense occurring within ten years of the first.
  • A minimum fine of $950 for any subsequent offenses within ten years of the first two offenses.

• Gross Misdemeanor Offenses:

  • A driver is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if they pass or attempt to pass a school bus on the right-hand (passenger) side.
  • Drivers also face gross misdemeanor charges if they pass a school bus when a school child is outside of the bus, on the street, or on the sidewalk adjacent to the bus.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends Minnesota Statutes Section 169.444 subdivision 2 by introducing mandatory fines for violations of the school bus stop arm law, which were not specified previously. It also categorizes certain dangerous behaviors (passing on the right-hand side or when a child is present) as gross misdemeanors, increasing the severity of the offenses and potential penalties.

Relevant Terms

• School bus stop arm law
• Misdemeanor
• Gross misdemeanor
• Fines
• Road safety
• School children
• Traffic violations