A second bill aimed at the school bus industry will be considered by the transportation committee this legislative session.
The bill would require that a Department of Motor Vehicle phone number be painted on the rear and sides of all buses. The number is where people can report the unsafe or illegal operation of a school bus.
The bill would also increase the fines for companies that break school bus safety laws. Law breakers are currently fined between $100 and $500. Those fines would only apply to first-time offenders if the bill is passed. Subsequent offenses would result in fines between $500 and $1,000.
The Connecticut School Transportation Association opposes the proposals.
This bill comes after transportation committee Co-Chairman Rep. Anthony Guerrera, D-Rocky Hill, proposed a bill that would require seat belts on school buses. Guerrera’s bill calls for lap-and-shoulder belts to be installed on buses by January 2011 and includes a provision that would allow the DMV to suspend a bus’ registration after that date until seat belts are installed.
As the debate plays out, Gov. M. Jodi Rell already knows where she stands. Rell supports the idea of putting seat belts on school buses.
The transportation committee had an informational public hearing on both bills scheduled for Wednesday, but it was canceled due to weather forecasts. It has been rescheduled for Jan. 17.