State Senator Theresa Gavarone | The Ohio Senate
State Senator Theresa Gavarone | The Ohio Senate
State Senator Theresa Gavarone has introduced a new piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the safety of children traveling to and from school. Senate Bill 329 seeks to address violations related to school bus safety.
Gavarone highlighted the importance of the bill, stating, "It's critical we prioritize the safety of our kids, especially on the road. According to the State Highway Patrol, they issued 16,000 citations for passing stopped school buses and other school zone violations from 2018 to August of 2023." She added that "this legislation aims to increase awareness of the law and protect our children."
The proposed bill introduces a civil penalty for drivers who illegally pass school buses but are not criminally cited. The fine is set at $300, with a significant portion allocated to support initiatives in school bus safety technology. Specifically, $50 from each fine will be directed towards a fund dedicated to enhancing school bus safety features through grants provided to school districts. Additionally, this fund will assist the Department of Education and Workforce in educating the public about laws concerning school bus safety.
Furthermore, Senate Bill 329 designates August as "School Bus Safety Month" with an aim to promote awareness about road sharing with school buses as schools resume their academic year.
For more information or updates on Senate Bill 329, interested parties can follow its progress online.
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