Yang Rohr Extends Protections for School Buses with New Legislation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, is working to keep students safe in and around school bus stops by backing legislation to enhance bus safety. 

“School bus stops can be dangerous places for children to be, because it is all too often that motorists speed past or illegally maneuver around these stopped buses,” Yang Rohr said. “These life-threatening situations occur every day in this country, but here in Illinois we can take some smart precautions to make buses safer and protect our young people.” 

Yang Rohr is sponsoring Senate Bill 2340 which would allow school bus companies to equip their buses with up to two stop arms that partially obstruct the roadway to ensure the safety of passengers and school bus riders. These arms would contain flashing lights to amplify that the bus is stopped and children are present.

Senate Bill 2340 passed unanimously out of the Senate and House committees. 

Yang Rohr has made common sense education policy the forefront of her agenda in the House. She passed House Bill 3559 that coordinates school districts and police departments to create rapid re entry plans for emergency situations.  Suicide prevention guidelines and information will also be posted on new school student ID’s after Yang Rohr helped pass House Bill 1778 in the previous 102nd General Assembly. 

“By making sure violators face consequences for infringing on bus zones and equipping buses with more visible and obstructive safety gear, kids will be safer crossing the street and boarding a school bus,” Yang Rohr said. “I am proud to join with my House and Senate colleagues on this legislation that will reduce motorists infractions and keep families safe.”