Witness urges stronger penalties and preventive steps to protect school crossing guards in House hearing

Sharon Montgomery testified in support of House Bill 690, telling the House Judiciary Committee the bill would encourage drivers to obey school crossing guards, increase safety for guards and students, and hold noncompliant drivers accountable.

"This bill provides some justice for the guards who are mistreated or disobeyed," Montgomery said, and urged the committee to consider preventive measures — from loud whistles for guards to using enforcement-camera signage — alongside penalties. She also suggested a broader review of traffic-offense statutes and recommended a task force to establish consistent criteria and penalties for traffic incidents that result in serious harm.

Committee members thanked Montgomery and asked follow-up questions about next steps and whether to pause other, related bills in favor of a task force; Montgomery said she would prefer to move forward quickly with the bills rather than wait for a task force that has been difficult to form. The committee concluded the second hearing on HB 690 with written testimony also available to members.