HARRISBURG – Today, the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee passed Senate Bill 1262 introduced by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) to increase penalties for school bus drivers who get behind the wheel to transport our children while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a dangerous combination of both.
“Approximately, 1.5 million children are transported on school buses every day in Pennsylvania, and parents and guardians must have confidence that their children are in capable hands”, said Pennycuick. “In the past, the General Assembly has acted to protect children from dangerous motorists when loading and unloading the school bus. Now, we must take action to discourage perilous behavior by school bus drivers.”
Pennycuick’s legislation will create a new sentencing enhancement with the goal of deterring similar incidents in the future.
In the 24th legislative district, 54 school children were transported by a school bus driver who, according to the criminal investigation, tested positive for marijuana with a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.331%, even though State law sets a strict 0.02% threshold for school bus drivers and 0.08% for non-commercial drivers. The school bus driver faces numerous felony charges of Driving Under the Influence, child endangerment, and reckless endangerment.
CONTACT: Lidia Di Fiore (215) 541-2388