HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) to enhance the safe transportation of school children by establishing new traffic rules and strengthening penalties for overtaking a school bus.

Senate Bill 897 extends the stopping distance requirement to 15 feet before reaching a school bus when the red signal lights on the bus are flashing and the side stop signal arm is activated. 

“Pennsylvania is one of only a few states with a mere 10-foot stopping distance. Creating this extra buffer gives students more space to safely walk around the stopped bus and sends a message to motorists that this safety zone cannot be ignored,” Baker said.    

For the first time, the law would include specific penalties for drivers who fail to proceed with caution or those who do not prepare to stop when a school bus has engaged its flashing amber lights. The bill also creates increased penalties for repeat offenders. 

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.