State Rep. Jack O’Malley, of Lake Ann, today testified before the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee in support of his bipartisan plan to improve school bus safety in Michigan.

“Too many motorists, whether it be distracted driving or improper knowledge of the requirement to stop for a school bus when its stop sign is activated, fail to stop as children are boarding and exiting,” O’Malley said. “This has led to somber stories in many Michigan communities over the years. We can do better, and this plan is an important step in the right direction to improve school bus safety.”

O’Malley’s plan, the lead measure of a 5-bill package, defines who is and isn’t allowed on a school bus and installs stiffer penalties for those who board buses without permission.

People who enter a school bus without permission could be charged with a misdemeanor punishable up to 93 days in prison or a fine of up to $100. Similarly, a felon entering with intent to do bodily harm could face imprisonment for up to a year and a fine of up to $500 under O’Malley’s measure.

“We’re taking a stand to ensure students are safe on their way to and from school,” O’Malley said. “Through stricter penalties, increased surveillance and further education, our plan is going to significantly reduce the number of motorists who fail to stop for school buses on our roadways.”

The other bills in the bipartisan package:

• Designate “entering a school bus with intent to bodily harm” as a felony punishable by up to one year in prison.
• Require a sticker to be affixed to the side of a bus that reads “Unauthorized persons attempting to board or boarding this school bus are subject to arrest and prosecution.” The sticker has to be affixed on the left side of the service door between the bottom of the window and black rail.
• Make failing to stop for a school bus a misdemeanor (under current law it is a civil infraction) and allow buses to be equipped with a stop-arm camera system to film evidence of said misdemeanor.
• Specify what can be recorded by a stop-arm camera.

O’Malley was joined by Mason County Sherriff Kim Cole and Trina Morris, president of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation and director of the West Shore Educational Service District, to testify in support of the legislation.

House Bills 5038-5042 remain in the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee for further consideration.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Jack O’Malley (right) is joined by Mason County Sherriff Kim Cole and Trina Morris, president of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation and director of the West Shore Educational Service District, to testify before the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday.