Georgia lawmakers are meeting in Atlanta for their annual three-month session. House Bill 344, introduced last week, would lower the fine for passing a stopped school bus.
Lawmakers approved last year “Addy’s Law” in memory of McDonough eight-year-old Adalynn Pierce. The 2024 legislation increased the fine to $1,000.
Fine for Passing a Stopped School Bus
House Bill 344, sponsored by Rep. Parsons (R-Marietta), would change the fine for passing a stopped school bus. The representative’s bill, as introduced, would make the civil fine $300 for a first-time offense, $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense.
The house committee on motor vehicles considered the bill on Tuesday, February 18. They recommended several amendments:
- change the civil fine, when observed by an automated camera on the school bus, from $1,000 to $500 per offense, instead of the tiered proposal, and
- change the criminal offense, when observed and cited by a police officer, from a high and aggravated misdemeanor to a misdemeanor, and change the fine from $1,000 to $500. The change to a high and aggravated misdemeanor was part of the 2024 law.
The house committee will consider voting on the revised bill on Friday, February 21. If the committee passes it, then the full house could consider it next week.
School Zone Speed Cameras
The house committee on motor vehicles considered a separate bill Tuesday to remove all school zone speed cameras from Georgia. The measure, House Bill 225 by Rep. Washburn (R-Macon), would undo the 2018 state law which enabled school zone cameras.
In the committee meeting, Rep. Washburn expressed his desire to eliminate cameras altogether because they are being used as a revenue generator by local counties and cities. “I do not believe these cameras taking millions of dollars out of Georgian’s pockets are enhancing children’s safety.” Washburn continued there are no children walking to school in many of the school zones across the state where the cameras are operating. He also expressed concerns about the current process and residents’ limited options to dispute the tickets.
A Valdosta councilman and the mayor of Decatur spoke against the bill. The city of Decatur especially has a high number of students walking to school. They found the cameras have been effective in their municipalities at reducing motorists’ speed.
The house committee recommended the bill pass. The measure next goes to the house rules committee where they can schedule it for a vote in the full house.
Other bills under consideration would revise the school zone camera program, instead of removing them. State lawmakers are in session until early April to pass the state’s budget and consider changes to state law.
Featured image shows a school bus stop sign. stock photo.
