KentuckyHB 72026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to school bus safety.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Stronger rules for stopping for buses

Drivers must stop for a school or church bus with a stop arm and flashing lights. You do not have to stop when coming the other way on a four-lane road divided by an elevated barrier or unpaved median. If the driver is not known, the law presumes the vehicle’s owner was driving. Penalties rise: first offense is a $200–$500 fine and/or 30–60 days in jail; later offenses within three years are a $300–$1,000 fine and/or 60 days to six months in jail. Courts must impose at least the minimum fine and add at least six driving points.

How school bus camera tickets work

School districts can put cameras on buses to enforce stop-arm rules. A police officer, peace officer, or school resource officer reviews the images and may issue a ticket. Within 30 days, the issuer must mail you the notice, the images, and a sworn officer statement; the notice must list the date, time, place, fine and due date, how to contest, and warn that failing to act can lead to registration suspension. Camera images are admissible, and the law presumes the bus was loading and lights were on when the image indicator shows it. You can contest by showing the plates or car were stolen, you were not the driver (and you name the driver), an officer already cited it, you let an emergency vehicle pass, or you were in a funeral procession; cases are heard in District Court. Images and records are private and must be destroyed within 31 days if no ticket, or after the case ends. Buses with cameras must display a warning sign.

New camera fines and registration holds

The law sets stop-arm camera fines at $300 for the first ticket and $500 for later tickets within three years. If you do not pay or contest within 60 days, the agency can notify the Transportation Cabinet. After notice, the Cabinet sends a certified suspension letter and suspends the vehicle’s registration until paid. When payment is collected, the agency must tell the Cabinet within one business day so the suspension is lifted. These camera tickets do not add points to your driving record.

Schools keep fines; $25 agency fee

All stop-arm camera fine revenue stays with the school district that runs the cameras, minus any court costs if the court collects it. When a law enforcement agency enforces a case, it can charge the district a $25 fee for each fine collected. Districts may hire private companies to install, run, and maintain the camera systems.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

David Hale
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Chad Aull
Democrat • House
Daniel Grossberg
Democrat • House
Jim Gooch Jr.
Republican • House
Kim King
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 194 • No: 27

House vote • 3/31/2026

passed

Yes: 79 • No: 11

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 37 • No: 1

House vote • 2/9/2026