School bus safety legislation approved in Minnesota Senate

KFGO file graphic

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Senate has passed a school bus safety bill that clarifies state law on school bus stop arms to better protect students.

The bill says drivers have an obligation to stop when a school bus has flashing lights, regardless of whether the stop arm is fully extended.

Last year, the Minnesota Court of Appeals found that state law required school bus arms to be fully extended for a driver to be required to stop. A case was overturned after the driver argued that the bus stop arm was not fully extended.

The bill passed the senate by a 67-0 vote and now heads to the house.