Rep. David Thomas Votes in Support of House Bill 3

State Representative David Thomas (R-Jefferson) today voted in support of House Bill 3 – the "School Bus Safety Act," which establishes new measures to enhance school bus safety, increase penalties for violations, provide grant funding for schools to apply for equipment specific to their school’s needs, and educate the public about school bus-related laws.

“Public school transportation systems can have serious strains on a school budget. I voted in favor of this bill as school buses and their transportation costs have been a constant topic in my discussions with schools that I have been visiting or talking to around Ohio. I want to thank the bill sponsors, as this will be a great resource for our local school district to provide a more cost effective and safer bussing system for our students,” said Thomas

The School Bus Safety Act makes the following changes:

• Increases penalties for illegally passing stopped school buses
• Authorizes installation of school bus cameras for the sole purpose of recording violations of illegally passing stopped school buses. 
• Develops a School Bus Safety Fund & Grant Program for schools to apply and improve safety features on school buses
• Creates public education initiatives on school bus safety
• Designates August as “School Bus Safety Month” 

House Bill 3 works to strengthen enforcement against school bus safety violations, promote safer transportation options, and educate drivers about their legal obligations, aiming to reduce accidents and improve safety for students.

House Bill 3 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.