Plain English Breakdown
The bill authorizes school districts to contract with vendors, but does not explicitly state that the vendor must be private; however, 'private vendor' is supported as an option in the text.
Schoolbus Stop Signal Camera Pilot Program
Until January 1, 2032, this law allows school districts to use camera systems on buses to enforce stop rules and changes the penalty for violations from a crime to a civil fine.
What This Bill Does
- Allows school districts to run a pilot program using camera systems on schoolbuses until January 1, 2032.
- Requires schools to post bus routes, operational hours, and camera locations online before starting the system.
- Changes penalties for passing stopped buses from criminal fines to civil penalty amounts until January 1, 2032.
- Sets up steps for police to review violations and lets drivers challenge tickets they receive.
- Makes photos and records from these cameras confidential so only public agencies can use them.
Who It Names or Affects
- School districts that choose to install the camera systems on their buses.
- Drivers who pass a stopped schoolbus while it is loading or unloading children.
- Law enforcement agencies that review violation data and issue penalties.
- Private vendors hired by schools to build and run the camera equipment.
Terms To Know
- Stop signal arm
- A red sign on a schoolbus that extends outward when the bus stops for children.
- Civil penalty
- A fine paid to the government that is not treated as a criminal offense.
- Pilot program
- A test of a new system for a limited time before making it permanent.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law only allows this camera system to operate until January 1, 2032.
- School districts must submit an annual report on how the system works starting July 1, 2028.
- Records from the cameras are kept confidential and cannot be shared with the general public.