Kentucky House approves stop-arm camera program for school buses, sets civil fines

The Kentucky House of Representatives on the floor approved House Bill 7, a school-bus safety measure that would let school districts contract with private vendors to install stop-arm cameras on buses and assess civil fines on drivers who illegally pass stopped buses.

The gentleman from Menifee, who presented the measure on behalf of the sponsor, said the program is optional for districts and is intended to make it easier for districts and law enforcement to hold distracted or careless drivers accountable. He described a vendor-funded arrangement in which vendors install cameras at no up-front cost to districts, collect footage while a bus’s stop arm is engaged, and refer potential violations to local law enforcement for review.

“If there are any questions, I would try my best to answer them,” the gentleman from Menifee said while moving the bill for passage. He told members that vendors would view footage and, if a violation is identified, send it to law enforcement; a reviewing officer would sign an affidavit before action proceeds.

The bill establishes civil penalties: a $300 fine for a first offense and $500 for a second or subsequent offense, with the money directed to the school district to defray equipment and contracting costs. The presenter emphasized that the penalties are civil and would not carry points on a driver’s record. The bill also creates an appeal window; individuals may appeal citations within 60 days through the district court system. After that process, the presenting law enforcement agency could, at its discretion, notify the Transportation Cabinet, which could lead to suspension of the motor vehicle’s registration.

Members spoke in support during floor discussion. The gentleman from Johnson offered a personal statement of support, recounting that he had been struck by a truck after getting off a school bus and urging colleagues that “if it saves 1 life, it’s worth it.” The lady from Jefferson 41 asked a clarifying question about vendor payments; the gentleman from Menifee confirmed districts would not have to pay vendors up front and that vendor repayment would come from fines distributed through the district.

The House voted on passage; the clerk announced House Bill 7 was passed and the mover requested the clincher. The transcript does not include a detailed roll-call tally in conventional 'ayes/nays' form for this bill beyond the clerk’s announcement that the bill was passed.

What happens next: With passage in the House, House Bill 7 proceeds to the next legislative steps (message to the Senate or enrollment) per the legislature’s process.