Bill description: SB 1131 would dramatically increase the fines for passing a stopped school bus.

Rating: -1

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes? Conversely, does it eliminate or decrease penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes?

Under current law, a driver who passes a stopped school bus with flashing lights operating, an arm deployed, and a stop sign displayed, can be liable to pay a fine from $100 up to $500. SB 1131 would greatly increase this fine, up to at least $200 for a first offense, at least $400 for a second offense and more than $600 for a third offense. There would be no cap on the fines, only the minimums.

Even if an argument is made that higher fines result in better compliance, the increase is still more than double, and there is no cap on the total amount of these fines.

(-1)

Update: This analysis was updated to include the amendments made to the bill on 3/7.