Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara proudly announced today that legislation he cosponsored, A.3120A, has been signed into law. This new law increases penalties for drivers who violate the law by illegally passing stopped school buses. The bill, which Assemblyman Santabarbara helped pass, aims to enhance the safety of children as they travel to and from school.

Under the new law, fines for repeat offenders who overtake, and pass school buses will rise significantly. For a third or subsequent violation within three years, the fine will increase from $1,000 to $1,500. Currently, penalties for passing a stopped school bus range from $250 to $400 for a first offense, $600 to $750 for a second offense within three years, and $750 to $1,000 for a third offense. This legislation modifies the penalty structure for repeat offenders to send a strong message about the seriousness of this violation.

“Ensuring the safety of our children is a top priority, and this new law will help protect them as they get on and off school buses,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “Far too often, drivers disregard the flashing red lights and stop signs on school buses, putting young lives at risk. By increasing the penalties for repeat offenders, we are reinforcing that this dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.”

The law will take effect on November 1, 2024, providing law enforcement with enhanced tools to hold reckless drivers accountable and deter dangerous driving near school buses.

“This new law is a step forward in keeping our kids safe, that’s why I cosponsored this legislation and worked to get it passed,” Santabarbara added. “Our children deserve to be safe while traveling to and from school, and this legislation will help achieve that.”