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During the Kansas State Board of Education on December 9, board members voted to include a recommendation for school bus stop arm violation legislation in its 2026 legislative priorities.

The proposal would allow buses equipped with stop arm cameras to record drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus. Currently, a law enforcement officer must witness the violation for a ticket to be issued. Under the proposed system, videos captured by the cameras could be reviewed by the Kansas Highway Patrol, and civil penalties could be issued to offending drivers. The fines would be determined by the legislature.

Board members emphasized that the goal is student safety rather than punishment, with one board member stating, “The fact that a child could be hit by a car that isn’t in a hurry, or just ignoring it, bothers me. If we actually have some teeth, then perhaps more people would pay attention and understand that when that arm is out, you stop.”

Board members who have experience driving school buses noted the importance of ensuring the cameras are triggered only when the stop arm is fully deployed, as well as the need for clear procedures to protect children. The board also highlighted that thousands of drivers nationwide ignore stop arms each year, posing serious risks to students.

The motion to include the recommendation in the board’s legislative priorities passed unanimously.