Protections for school kids become law

Each year, children die because drivers fail to obey school bus laws. That’s why the Senate led the effort this session to improve the safety of Iowa kids when they get on and off their school bus.

The new law, signed by the Governor on March 16, increases fines and allows courts to send offenders to jail. In addition, the Iowa Department of Transportation and the departments of Education and Public Safety will study how best to increase school bus safety for children.

Senate File 2218 was a response to the death of 7-year-old Kadyn Halvorson of Northwood, who was killed while crossing the road to board her school bus last year.

Current law prohibits drivers from passing a stopped school bus that has its lights flashing and the stop arm out. Yet every year, hundreds of drivers violate this law and endanger the lives of children heading to school and home.