Bill
A 9179
Bill A 9179 enhances school children's safety by enforcing stricter rules for passing stopped school buses on divided highways and improving bus stop locations.
Bill Number: A 9179
Title: Relates to the passing of stopped school buses on divided highways and to the location of school bus stops on divided highways
Status: Referred to Transportation
Introduced: October 17, 2025
Classification: Bill
Bill A 9179 aims to enhance the safety of school children by establishing clearer regulations regarding the passing of stopped school buses on divided highways. The bill seeks to address concerns about the dangers posed to children when vehicles pass school buses that are loading or unloading students, particularly on divided roadways where visibility and traffic patterns can complicate compliance with existing laws.
The bill includes the following significant provisions:
Passing Regulations: It proposes specific guidelines for vehicles approaching a stopped school bus on divided highways, ensuring that drivers are aware of their responsibilities to stop when the bus is displaying its stop sign and flashing lights.
Location of School Bus Stops: The bill may also stipulate criteria for the placement of school bus stops on divided highways, potentially requiring them to be located in safer areas to minimize risks for children boarding or alighting from buses.
Enforcement Measures: The legislation may introduce penalties for violations of the new passing regulations, thereby reinforcing compliance and enhancing safety measures for school children.
School Children: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students who rely on school buses for transportation, as the bill aims to protect them from traffic-related incidents.
Drivers: The bill will impact drivers on divided highways, as they will need to adhere to the new regulations regarding stopping for school buses.
School Districts and Transportation Authorities: These entities may need to adjust their policies and practices regarding bus stop placements and driver education programs to align with the new regulations.
Current Status: As of October 17, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Transportation Committee for further consideration.
Related Legislation: The bill is related to prior-session Bill S 8329 and has a companion bill, S 716, which may address similar issues or provide additional context for the proposed changes.
Bill A 9179 represents a proactive approach to improving the safety of school children on divided highways by clarifying and enforcing regulations regarding the passing of stopped school buses. As it moves through the legislative process, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its progress and potential implications for traffic safety and school transportation policies.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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