Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to eliminate the mandatory fine for drivers who violate the stop signal arm of a school bus. It seeks to amend the existing public safety laws related to school buses in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Amended Penalty Structure: The bill proposes changes to how violations related to school bus stop signal arms are penalized.
• Removal of Mandatory Fine: Under current law, there's a mandatory fine for drivers who fail to stop for a school bus when the stop arm is extended. This bill removes that mandatory fine, effectively making fines for such violations discretionary rather than obligatory.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Changes to Misdemeanor Charges: The bill modifies the categorization and minimum fines of certain violations related to passing a school bus when children are present. While it maintains existing legal classifications (misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor), it allows for more discretion in imposing fines on violators.
• Gross Misdemeanor Conditions: The bill retains that it's considered a gross misdemeanor if a driver passes a school bus on the right-hand (passenger door) side or when a child is present on the road or nearby.

Relevant Terms

public safety, school bus, stop signal arm, violations, fines, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, Minnesota Statutes, discretionary fines.