INDIANAPOLIS —Three Indiana children were killed last year while crossing the street to get on a school bus. Now, state lawmakers toughened laws to try and prevent it from happening again.
Both chambers of the Indiana legislature voted Tuesday in favor of a proposal to increase the penalties for people who pass buses with the stop arm out.
The proposal would change the charge on passing a school bus with the flashing stop arm extended from a Class B misdemeanor to Class A misdemeanor. If an injury occurs because of the violation, it would be a Level 6 Felony. If a death occurs, it would be a Level 5 Felony.
The judge could also suspend a driver’s license if they pass a bus.
The family members of the three children who were killed in October testified on the bill, urging its passage. The driver who hit the children in northern Indiana told police she saw the lights but didn't realize it was a bus until the kids were in front of her.
The bill now goes to Gov. Eric Holcomb.
