Minnesota lawmakers are taking significant steps to enhance student safety with a proposed bill aimed at increasing fines for school bus stop arm violations. During a recent meeting of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, legislators discussed the alarming number of violations occurring each year, which endanger the lives of children as they board or exit school buses.

The bill seeks to implement a tiered fine structure for repeat offenders, addressing a critical gap in current legislation. Currently, individuals convicted of violating school bus stop arm laws face a minimum fine of $500 for their first offense, with the same penalty applying to subsequent violations. However, there are no mandatory minimum fines for repeat offenders, which has led to a lack of accountability for those who repeatedly endanger students.

Under the new proposal, the fine for a second violation within a ten-year period would increase to $700, and for a third or subsequent violation, it would rise to $950. This change aims to deter repeat offenses and ultimately enhance the safety of Minnesota's schoolchildren.

Eric Simonson, representing the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association, emphasized the importance of this legislation. He noted that the association has been a strong advocate for the state's stop arm law and has worked to address the challenges of prosecuting violators. Simonson highlighted the success of the stop arm camera grant program, which has provided critical video evidence to support enforcement efforts and reduce repeat violations.

The committee's discussions underscored a collective commitment to improving road safety for students. With increasing concerns about distracted driving, lawmakers believe that stronger penalties will contribute to a broader strategy to protect children and prevent tragic accidents.

As the bill moves forward, it represents a proactive approach to safeguarding Minnesota's youth and reflects a growing recognition of the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws surrounding school buses. The committee's actions signal a determination to create a safer environment for students as they travel to and from school.