APPROACHING BUS TRANSPORTING PUPILS S.B. 576:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 576 (as introduced 8-24-11)
Sponsor: Senator Howard C. Walker
Committee: Transportation
Date Completed: 10-18-11
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require a driver approaching a public transit bus transporting pupils to take the same actions a driver is required to take when approaching a school bus.
"Public transit bus" would mean a bus used to transport pupils to or from school, if the bus is operated by a public transit agency operating under any of the following:
-- A county, city, township, or village as provided by law, or other authority incorporated under Public Act 55 of 1963 (which governs mass transportation system authorities).
-- An authority incorporated under the Metropolitan Transportation Authorities Act, or that operates a transportation service according to an interlocal agreement under the Urban Cooperation Act.
-- A contract entered into according to Public Act 8 of 1967 (Ex Sess) (which governs intergovernmental transfers of functions and responsibilities) or Public Act 35 of 1951 (which governs intergovernmental contracts between municipal corporations).
-- An authority incorporated under the Public Transportation Authority Act or a nonprofit corporation organized under the Nonprofit Corporation Act that provides transportation services.
-- An authority financing public improvements to transportation systems under the Revenue Bond Act.
Under the Code, the driver of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying two alternately flashing red lights located at the same level must bring the vehicle to a full stop at least 20 feet from the bus, and may not proceed until the bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer actuated. At an intersection where traffic is controlled by an officer or a traffic stop-and-go signal, a vehicle need not be brought to a full stop before passing a stopped school bus, but may pass the bus at a speed that is reasonable and proper, but not over 10 miles per hour and with due caution for the safety of passengers getting on or off the bus.
A driver who fails to stop for a school bus as required, passes a school bus in violation of the Code, or fails to stop for a bus in violation of an ordinance is responsible for a civil infraction and must pay a civil fine of at least $100, but not more than $500. Also, the person may be ordered to pay the costs of the action up to $100. In addition, a violator may be ordered to perform up to 100 hours of community service at a school.
Under the bill, all of these provisions also would apply in the case of a public transit bus transporting pupils.
MCL 257.682 Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Steve Angelotti
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb576/1112