The Lead Off
- Ohio lawmakers have passed a bill that increases penalties for illegally passing stopped school buses and allows the use of enforcement cameras.
- The measure now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine for his consideration.
- The legislation would raise fines and add additional penalties for repeat offenders.
COLUMBUS, OHIO (WOWO) Ohio lawmakers have approved legislation that increases penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses and authorizes the use of cameras to capture violations, according to state officials.
The measure, known as House Bill 3, has passed both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly and now awaits action from Gov. Mike DeWine.
The bill was introduced by state Reps. Cecil Thomas, D–Cincinnati, and Bernie Willis, R–Springfield according to the Ohio Capital Journal.
Bill increases fines and penalties
Under the legislation, fines for illegally passing a stopped school bus would increase to between $250 and $1,000.
Repeat offenders could face additional consequences, including:
- License suspension
- Mandatory safety course completion
- Fines up to $2,000
Current penalties range from $0 to $500, depending on the violation.
School bus camera enforcement included
The bill also authorizes the use of school bus-mounted cameras to help identify and document drivers who illegally pass stopped buses.
Supporters say the goal is to deter dangerous driving behavior and improve child safety around school transportation routes.
“The goal of this legislation is really to change behavior and deter those from putting our children at risk,” said state Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R–Bowling Green. “There’s no destination that a driver needs to get to that’s worth more than a child’s life.”
Supporters cite enforcement data
Lawmakers cited thousands of citations issued in recent years for illegal school bus passing.
According to testimony referenced during legislative debate, the Ohio State Highway Patrol issued more than 16,000 citations between 2018 and 2023 for violations involving stopped school buses.
Additional data presented during hearings showed thousands of citations issued statewide over a multi-year period, underscoring ongoing enforcement challenges.
Safety context and national comparisons
The legislation does not include a requirement for seat belts on school buses.
Federal transportation data cited in prior legislative discussions shows hundreds of fatal crashes involving school transportation nationwide over a 10-year period.
Only a limited number of states currently require seat belts on large school buses, while several others allow or mandate camera enforcement systems similar to those authorized in the Ohio bill.
Legislative support and opposition
The bill passed with broad bipartisan support in both chambers.
However, state Sens. Nathan Manning, R–North Ridgeville, and Kristina Roegner, R–Hudson, were the only lawmakers to vote against the measure.
Next steps
House Bill 3 now awaits Gov. Mike DeWine’s signature. If signed into law, Ohio agencies would begin implementing the increased penalties and establishing rules for the use of school bus enforcement cameras.
