Gaston Leads Passage of Bill to Enhance School Bus Safety

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee led senate passage on a bill that will extend the expiration dates for the live bus violation detection monitoring systems.

Senate Bill 1390, ‘An Act Concerning Live Digital Video School Bus Violation Detection Monitoring Systems,” will help maintain safer streets for pedestrians and other drivers by ensuring continued enforcement of traffic laws around school buses.

“These systems play a crucial role in identifying and deterring illegal passing of stopped school buses, which puts children at risk,” said Sen. Gaston. “Extending the use of these monitoring systems is a common-sense step to protect our children, hold drivers accountable, and make our streets safer for everyone. This bill reinforces our commitment to public safety, especially around our schools and communities.”

In 2024, the legislature passed Senate Bill 420 which came from a study that took place in Bridgeport where over 10,000 drivers did not yield to the stop sign on the school buses. The law dictates that drivers must stop 10 feet from the front or back of a stopped school bus that displays flashing red signal lights. Drivers must also remain in place until the bus stops displaying its signal lights. If a person violates this law, the penalty for the first offense is $450 and then between $500 to $1,000. Some municipalities have opted to install stop arm cameras and impose

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Michelle Rappaport | 860-604-6982 | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov local fines of up to $250