State Senate Passes Two Bills to Protect Bus Passengers

The State Senate passed two bills that would enhance the safety of bus passengers by preventing registered sex offenders from becoming bus drivers and increasing penalties for passing a stopped school bus.

A bill sponsored Senator Carl Marcellino would prohibit a registered sex offender from obtaining or renewing a commercial driver’s license to operate a passenger or school bus, providing a greater level of protection to the public from these individuals.

Another bill, sponsored by Senator John Bonacic, provides for a 60-day suspension of an individual's driver’s license when the holder is convicted two or more times of passing a stopped school bus within a period of 10 years. This legislation would make the penalties for multiple violations of passing a stopped school bus the same as penalties for drivers convicted of speeding in a construction zone two or more times.

The bills have been sent to the Assembly.