Oregon Legislature allows cameras to catch drivers who illegally pass school buses

Oregon drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses could soon be caught on camera and ticketed.

The Oregon Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that allows education providers to install the cameras on school bus stop sign arms, and to work with law enforcement to cite violators.

House Bill 4147 previously passed the Oregon House, and now goes to Gov. Tina Kotek for her signature.

“Too many drivers are disregarding their duty to stop and protect kids getting on and off the school bus. It’s clear that we need more accountability to protect our students,” said Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland, who carried the bill on the floor.

Oregon law requires motorists to stop when school buses extend their stop-arm and turn on their red flashing lights.

But bus drivers nationwide report thousands of instances of drivers illegally passing stopped school buses every day. In Oregon, 1,939 bus drivers surveyed last year reported 1,427 drivers illegally passing their buses in a single day.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found 53 fatalities, half of them school-age children, between 2000 and 2021 nationwide in accidents involving illegal passing of a school bus, a Stateline analysis found.

House Bill 4147 allows, but doesn’t require, education providers to use the cameras.

The bill prohibits the cameras from recording drivers or students while they are on the bus, and providers who use the cameras must inform school bus drivers about them, and post signs on the bus notifying the public about their use.

The bill would take effect Jan. 1.

At least 24 states already have school bus stop-arm camera laws, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Oregon lawmakers considered similar legislation last year, but the bill did not make it out of committee.

“This is a deterrence measure that will stop drivers from putting our kids in danger,” Sen. Lew Frederick, D-Portland, said. “This is another important step to make sure every student makes it to school and gets home safely.”

Tracy Loew covers education at the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips:tloew@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6779. Follow her on Twitter at@Tracy_Loew