IT MOVES TO THE SENATE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION
Today, the Missouri House of Representatives passed House Bill 2742 on third reading by a vote of 138-2.
Sponsored by State Representative Mike Jones, HB 2742 strengthens penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses when kids are getting on or off, aiming to improve safety for Missouri’s schoolchildren.
A 2025 national school bus survey found about 39.2 million illegal violations nationwide during the most recent surveyed period (parts of 2024 and 2025). In Missouri, the State Highway Patrol reported more than 800 crashes involving school buses in 2024, though it is unclear how many involved drivers illegally passing a stopped school bus.
“Every day, Missouri families trust that our school buses will safely transport their children,” said Rep. Jones, R-Kansas City. “When drivers ignore flashing lights and extended stop arms, they put young lives at risk. HB 2742 sends a clear message: this dangerous behavior will carry real consequences, not just a slap on the wrist. It’s about protecting our children, plain and simple.”
Under current law, illegally passing a stopped school bus is a Class A misdemeanor, often resulting in minimal fines and limited accountability. HB 2742 would change that:
•Mandatory minimum fines: $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense within five years, and $1,500 for a third or subsequent offense (with maximum fines up to $3,000).
•Required in-person court appearances, no disposition through the state fine collection center.
•Driver’s license suspensions: discretionary for a first offense; mandatory 90 days for a second offense; and mandatory 180 days for a third or subsequent offense within five years.
•Continued assessment of five points on the offender’s driving record.
HB 2742 also authorizes school districts to install safety cameras on school buses to document violations, providing additional tools for enforcement while protecting student privacy through strict data retention limits.
“Keeping kids safe isn’t about politics; it is a community responsibility,” Jones added. “By increasing accountability, we can deter reckless driving and help ensure that every child arrives at school and returns home safely.”
HB 2742 now advances to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.
