House clarifies law: motorists must stop for school buses' flashing red lights

Lawmakers on March 18 approved House File 36-23, a traffic-safety bill presented by Representative Allen to remove technical ambiguity so motorists must stop when a school bus is displaying flashing red lights.

Representative Allen said the measure restores common-sense clarity after a court decision created a loophole involving stop-arm extension and visibility. "If the red lights are flashing, you must stop," Allen told colleagues, framing the bill as prevention-focused rather than punitive. Representative Collins described near-miss incidents involving her child and urged members to support an education and enforcement follow-up.

With no amendments on the floor, the bill received third reading and passed; the clerk recorded 133 ayes and 0 nays. Sponsors said the bill is intended to make enforcement and driver expectations clearer and to pair statutory clarity with public education.