Bill
HF 2736
HF 2736 repeals the mandatory fine for school bus stop-arm violations, replacing it with discretionary penalties and changing enforcement for drivers and courts.
HF 2736 — Summary of the bill as introduced
Overview
- Bill number and title: HF 2736, “Mandatory fine for school bus stop-signal arm violations eliminated.”
- Purpose (as indicated by the title): Remove the statutory requirement to impose a mandatory fine for violations involving a school bus stop-arm signal.
- Status and history: Introduced March 24, 2025. First reading, referred to Transportation Finance and Policy. Companion bill in the Senate: SF 2613.
- Primary subject: Public safety department; Traffic Regulations-Violations and Penalties.
What the bill aims to change
- Core change: Repeal or modify the statute that currently requires an automatic or mandatory fine for motorists who violate a school bus stop-arm signal.
- Resulting framework: The bill would remove the blanket mandate to levy a specific fine in these cases. The bill text would determine whether alternative penalties (e.g., discretionary penalties, different fine levels, or other sanctions) would apply and under what circumstances.
Key provisions to look for in the bill text
- Repeal language: Specific statutory language repealing the clause that imposes a mandatory fine for stop-arm violations.
- Penalty structure: Any new or alternative penalties authorized in place of the mandatory fine, including who may determine penalties (court, prosecuting authority, or other) and under what conditions.
- Effective date: The date on which the new penalty framework would take effect, if enacted.
- Penalty caps or ranges: Any limits or ranges for penalties if alternatives are provided.
Who would be affected
- Drivers: Motorists who encounter a school bus with its stop arm extended and stop-arm lights activated.
- Law enforcement and prosecutors: Agencies and officials responsible for enforcing stop-arm violations and determining appropriate penalties under the new framework.
- Courts: Entities that would adjudicate violations under any revised penalty structure.
- School districts and safety programs: Indirectly affected through enforcement outcomes and potential safety deterrence.
Potential implications
- Deterrence and safety: Removing a mandatory fine could affect deterrence of stop-arm violations; the impact would depend on any alternative penalties and their enforcement.
- Revenue and enforcement: Potential shift in state or local revenue from fines; enforcement practices may change if penalties are discretionary or restructured.
- Fiscal and administrative: Administration of penalties could change if the statute moves to discretionary penalties or different penalty schemes.
Notes and next steps
- The bill’s exact language is needed to understand the precise penalties, thresholds, and deadlines.
- For a complete understanding, review HF 2736’s text, any committee amendments, fiscal notes, and the companion SF 2613 in the Senate.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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