State Rep. Jack O’Malley is continuing work to improve safety for students in Michigan in the new legislative term.

O’Malley is spearheading a new, bipartisan plan defining who is and isn’t allowed on a school bus while getting tougher on those who board buses without permission. The measures were prioritized by the legislator after he originally introduced them in his first term representing Michigan’s 101^st House District.

“Children are on a bus multiple times every single day and we must work to keep them safe when they’re there,” said O’Malley, of Lake Ann. “We’ve heard numerous stories throughout the years of tragedies that occur on buses or while children are boarding or exiting a bus. I believe it’s an area where we can improve, and it’s why I’m still fighting to see these measures through.”

The proposals will:

• Set a penalty for boarding a school bus without permission of the driver as a civil infraction, which is punishable by a fine up to $500. A civil infraction penalty for impeding the progress or operation of a school bus will also be established.
• Allow a sticker to be affixed to the side of a bus stating that unauthorized individuals attempting to board are subject to a civil infraction and fine.
• Allow stop-arm cameras to be installed on buses. Video or photography would be allowed as evidence for law enforcement prosecuting vehicles that illegally pass a school bus. Corresponding legislation will spell out other specifications for any camera usage.

House Bills 4201-04 have been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.