House Bill 1021 Passes in House to Next be Voted on by Senate (STATEHOUSE) Feb. 11, 2009 - House Bill 1021, authored by state Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) passed unanimously by Indiana's House of Representatives on the bills final reading. Under current law, a motorist hitting a child getting onto or off of a school bus can receive the same punishment as a motorist hitting a mailbox. House Bill 1021 would increase the penalty for passing a school bus with an extended arm signal device from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor if the offense causes bodily harm. The bill also would allow the court to suspend the offender's license. "It's my intention for this bill to protect our Hoosier children," said Rep. Crouch. "Increasing the penalty if there is bodily harm will deter drivers from passing a stopped school bus. If a child is hit by a car while exiting a school bus, the penalty needs to be greater than if a mailbox is hit by a car." In November, 2007, eight-year-old Kasey Groves was struck by a car as she was getting off her school bus in Rep. Crouch's district. The girl survived but had a long recovery and had to undergo several operations on her legs. Krista Groves, Kasey's mother, contacted Rep. Crouch, suggesting action. "People must know the importance of stopping at a school bus," said Rep. Crouch. "These accidents should not happen. I hope, with the increased penalty, fines and jail sentencing, Hoosier kids won't have to suffer what several children and families have before." HB 1021 has not faced any opposition and is moving quickly through the legislative process with full support of House Legislators. "I am pleased this bill has been passed by the House so quickly," said Rep. Crouch. "Senators Becker and Deig have expressed their support of the bill which gives me confidence it will become law soon." HB 1021 will next be voted on by the Indiana Senate. |
