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A new law in Pennsylvania requires drivers to stop 15 feet away from school buses, up from the previous 10 feet, when the bus is stopped with lights flashing and its side arm extended. This change, part of Senate Bill 65 now known as Act 89 of 2026, was sponsored by state Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20. The law also introduces tougher penalties for repeat offenders, which were not previously addressed, according to PD Clarion.
The educational components of the law will begin in December, while the new stopping distance and penalties will take effect in one year. The law assigns new school bus safety education duties to PennDOT and school districts. Anniston Star reports that PennDOT's Automated School Bus Enforcement Program recorded 76,413 violations in 2024, a significant increase from 24,085 in 2023, attributed to expanded automated enforcement.
"Every child deserves to get to and from school safely, and motorists have a responsibility to stop when a school bus is loading or unloading students," Baker said. "Act 89 is about changing driver behavior and holding repeat offenders accountable." Gerry Wosewick, executive director of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association, stated that the law "sends a clear message that putting children’s lives at risk will not be tolerated."
Baker was awarded the 2026 National School Bus Safety Leadership Award from Safe Kids Worldwide for her work on this issue, as reported by AOL.