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Bill Summary · SB 65

Summary of Senate Bill 65

Bill Number: SB 65
Title: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes
Status: Referred to Judiciary
Introduced: January 22, 2025
Prime Sponsor: Senator Lisa Baker

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 65 aims to enhance the safety of school children during transportation by amending existing traffic laws related to school buses. The bill introduces stricter penalties for violations concerning the stopping and overtaking of school buses, thereby promoting safer driving behaviors around these vehicles.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments to Title 75 (Vehicles):

1. Point Assessments

  • Two-Point Assessment: Added for failing to proceed with caution when amber lights are flashing on a school bus.
  • Five-Point Assessment: Imposed for failing to stop for a school bus transporting disabled persons, along with a 60-day suspension of the driver’s license.

2. Stopping Distance Requirement

  • The required stopping distance before reaching a school bus with activated red lights is extended from 10 feet to 15 feet.

3. Tiered Penalty System

  • Overtaking a School Bus with Flashing Red Lights:

    • First offense: Fine of $250 to $500 plus a $35 surcharge.
    • Second or subsequent offense: Fine of $500 or more plus a $35 surcharge.

  • Failure to Proceed with Caution (Amber Lights):

    • First offense: Fine of $100 plus a $35 surcharge.
    • Second or subsequent offense: Fine of $250 or more plus a $35 surcharge.

  • Offenders may also be required to attend a driver improvement school or undergo a special examination for repeat offenses.

4. Educational Requirements

  • The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is mandated to include educational materials regarding these amendments in driver’s license renewal notices.
  • Educational documents will also be provided to the Department of Education to inform school districts.

5. Implementation Timeline

  • The new educational provisions (Sections 3345(k) and (l)) will take effect 60 days after enactment.
  • The remaining provisions of the act will take effect in one year.

Fiscal Impact

The enactment of SB 65 is projected to have a fiscal impact of approximately $670,150 for the fiscal year 2025-26. This includes costs for:
- Revising the School Bus Manual and Driver’s Manual.
- Hiring an additional Driver Safety Examiner and Clerk.
- Updating computer systems.
- Producing educational materials.

The funding for these costs will be sourced from the Department of Transportation's existing budget, with additional revenue expected from fines and penalties imposed under the new regulations.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 65 seeks to significantly improve the safety of school children by enforcing stricter traffic regulations concerning school buses. By increasing penalties and enhancing educational outreach, the bill aims to foster a safer environment for students during their commutes.

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

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