Senate Passes Bonacic Sponsored Legislation

        Legislation aims to stiffen penalties for passing a stopped school bus

The New York State Senate today, passed legislation, sponsored by Senator John Bonacic, (S.3099-A), which would increase the  penalties for passing a stopped school bus and require license revocation for a second offense.

Current law provides that an individual convicted two or more times of speeding in a construction zone be subject to a sixty day suspension of his or her drivers’ license. Passing a stopped school bus two or more times, however, does not currently carry such a penalty. The legislation recognizes that passing a stopped school bus possesses as much, if not more, risk to life as speeding in a construction zone; and in addition to current penalties, will provide for a sixty day suspension of a drivers license when the holder is convicted two or more times of passing a stopped school bus within a period of ten years.

"It is the responsibility of each and every adult to protect and ensure the safety of children," said Senator Bonacic. "Unfortunately, there are individuals who are careless, putting their priorities above the safety of children; making this legislation necessary. Government has a moral obligation to provide legislation to keep everyone safe.  This amendment to current law is designed to further reflect the severity and danger in passing a stopped school bus. It's an obvious and necessary precaution we need to take." 

After passage in the Senate, the legislation was sent to the Assembly. 

###