Michigan Governor Signs 4 School Bus Safety Bills into Law
July 20, 2021 • by SBF Staff Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed four school bus safety bills into law. The laws stiffen penalties for any unauthorized persons who enter a school bus without the permission of the bus driver and allow school buses in the state to be equipped with stop-arm cameras. HB 4202 allows school buses in the state to be equipped with a stop-arm camera system that provides photo and/or video evidence of a motorist illegally passing a stopped school bus when the bus’s red flashing lights are activated.
HB 4204 adds that school districts that decide to equip their buses with a stop-arm camera system can either install and operate the system themselves or enter into a contract with a private vendor.
"Every child in Michigan deserves access to a safe, secure ride to and from school," Whitmer said in a news release. "These bills make our school buses safer, allowing every child to safely attend school, where they can learn and grow. I am proud to sign these bills that puts Michigan's children first."
"We have made the school buildings safer. These bills now bring focus on the weakest link, the school bus," said Rep. Jack O'Malley, R-Lake Ann, who sponsored HB 4201. "We will have better enforcement of those who ignore the stop arm. Also, the boarding with permission brings the respect our drivers need while keeping our kids safe."
https://www.schoolbusfleet.com/10147639/michigan-governor-signs-4-school-bus-safety-bills-into-law