Utah Senate gives preliminary OK to increase penalty for illegally passing school buses

Utah senators voted in favor of a bill that would increase the penalty for passing a school bus displaying flashing lights without debate on Wednesday. | Adobe Stock

SALT LAKE CITY — State senators gave initial approval without debate on Wednesday to a bill that would increase the penalty for passing a school bus displaying flashing lights.

HB84, which passed 24-3 on its second reading, must go before the Senate again for a final vote. The legislation soared through the House 64-10 last week.

Tuesday’s discussion to the bill was brief, with Senate sponsor Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, introducing the legislation with just a few sentences.

During last week’s debate in the House, bill sponsor Rep. Craig Hall, R-West Valley City, said he was inspired to bring forward the legislation based on concerns raised over children’s safety as they moved on and off buses.

The bill, which would raise the minimum fine from $100 to $250 for a first-time offense, was also amended during debate to include a provision that would require an offender to perform community service. Under this provision, an offender would be required to serve a minimum of 10 hours of community service on a first offense, and 20 hours on the second.

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