Senate Bill 2587

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-41-55, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS TO OPEN THE SERVICE DOOR AND DRIVER'S WINDOW UPON APPROACHING RAILROAD CROSSINGS; TO INCREASE THE PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 37-41-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

37-41-55. The driver of every school transportation vehicle used to transport pupils, on approaching any railroad crossing, * * * shall (a) bring the vehicle to a complete stop, (b) open the service door and driver's window, and (c) listen for approaching trains, and shall not proceed until the driver of such vehicle has determined that it is safe to proceed. The driver of every school transportation vehicle used to transport pupils, on approaching any highway intersection, shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shall not proceed until the driver of such vehicle has determined that it is safe to proceed. Any driver who shall fail to bring his vehicle to a complete stop and follow the procedures prescribed as herein required shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) for each such offense.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.