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HB 6318

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SCHOOL BUS SAFETY ENFORCEMENT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Justine Caldwell and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would require all school buses to have live digital video violation detection systems and exterior retractable stop signs, with mandated demonstrations and onthespot u

05/27/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 6318

Summary: HB 6318 — School Bus Safety Enforcement

Overview

HB 6318 is a Rhode Island bill introduced in 2025 that aims to enhance school bus safety by requiring two primary safety enhancements:
- Installation of live digital video violation detection monitoring systems on all school buses.
- Installation of exterior retractable stop signs on all school buses, with formal operating demonstrations and ongoing supervision.

The act would apply to all school buses in service, including those used for transporting students with special education needs.

Key Provisions

1) Live Digital Video School Bus Violation Detection Monitoring Systems

  • All school departments are required to install and operate live digital video violation detection monitoring systems on every bus placed in service.
  • System features (minimum requirements):
    • One or more camera sensors and computers that produce live digital and recorded video of motor vehicle violations related to school bus traffic laws.
    • Ability to provide a live visual image viewable remotely.
    • Ability to record license plates.
    • Timestamps (date and time) and location data.
    • A signed affidavit from a witness of the violation via live video.
  • Agency authority to contract with private companies to supply, maintain, and operate the systems.
  • Applicability includes buses used for transporting students with disabilities under state special education requirements (Chapter 24 of Title 16).

2) Exterior Retractable Stop Signs

  • Requires every school bus to be equipped with a retractable stop sign mounted outside the bus, visible from at least 100 feet.
  • Installation method must be approved and certified by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the system must be inspected at regular inspections.
  • Driver operating rules when loading/unloading:
    • The bus must remain stopped with the stop sign out until all students are seated.
    • Before any student disembarks, the driver must ensure all approaching traffic has stopped and the stop sign is observed.
    • After disembarking, the driver must allow time for students to clear the area, then close doors and, after about 10 seconds, announce via public address system that the bus will proceed.
  • The Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) must require demonstrations of the stop sign operation at least twice per year, including one demonstration in September.
  • Applies to all school buses, including those for special education transportation.

3) Effective Date

  • The act would take effect upon passage.

Who and What Would Be Affected

  • Affects all Rhode Island public school districts and their bus fleets.
  • Buses used for special education transportation are explicitly included.
  • Potential impacts on drivers (procedural changes), school district budgets (capital and maintenance costs for video systems and exterior stop signs), and privacy/data security considerations due to video surveillance.
  • DMV and DESE oversight and certification responsibilities.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Introduced: May 9, 2025; Referred to House Judiciary.
  • Hearing/Consideration: Scheduled for May 23, 2025.
  • Committee action: As of May 27, 2025, the committee recommended that the measure be held for further study.
  • Earlier related action: January 23, 2025, referral to the Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue, and Bonding.

Notes for Readers

  • The proposed changes emphasize proactive safety and accountability through technology and standardized stop-sign procedures.
  • Fiscal implications include costs for equipment installation, maintenance, and potential private contracting, balanced against anticipated safety benefits and compliance requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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