The state Senate unanimously approved legislation Wednesday to crack down on New Yorkers who recklessly pass stopped school buses.
The bill, likely to pass the Assembly and receive Gov. Cuomo’s signature, would boost fines for first-time offenders from a minimum of $250 to $350.
The fines would rise for second and third-time offenders.
“The videos that are out there today are petrifying, of drivers that are putting children at risk by failing to wait, in some cases a few extra seconds, to get to their destination,” Senate Transportation Committee chairman Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo) said.
“No schedule is so important to keep to endanger the welfare of our children by passing a stopped school bus.”
About 2.3 million kids statewide ride yellow buses to and from school.
Bills creating a school-bus safety council and a bus-education section to driver’s license tests also passed. Legislation authorizing school districts to add stop-arm cameras to school buses is set to pass later this session.


