Two transportation bills related to schools trekked toward the Senate recently.

 

The House Transportation committee and House floor passed House Bill 1109, which prohibits the use of handheld electronic wireless devices by school bus drivers. ASBSD is monitoring the bill.

 

Rep. Craig Tieszen, HB 1109’s sponsor, said the bill “will prevent school bus drivers from using a cell phone.” An amendment added to the bill permits communication between driver and a school official through the use of two-way radio communication or a wireless communication used in a similar manner as a two-way radio.

 

“This is a common sense bill keep bus drivers alert,” Rep. Michael Clark said.

 

Along with HB 1109, House Bill 1110, which revises certain provisions regarding school bus stop violations, passed the House Transportation committee and House floor.

 

The bill lowers the speed limit allowed when passing a school bus with its amber warning lights on from 20 to 15 mph and clarifies how far back a vehicle must stay from a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and the lanes a car may pass a school bus in.

 

Rep. Tieszen called the adjustments “logical.” ASBSD supports the bill.

 

For updates on HB’s 1109 and 1110, check the ASBSD Blog, Twitter feed and Bill Tracker.