Delegates Close Loophole In School Bus Safety Law

The governor this week signed legislation submitted by Del. Richard Anderson that closes a loophole in state law that requires drivers to stop when a school bus is loading or unloading riders.

Anderson, R-Woodbridge, said amendments in the 1970s had omitted the word “at” from the statute and contained confusing language that resulted in some judges dismissing the charge against drivers who did not stop for school buses. Anderson said if the law was taken literally, it required drivers to stop school buses.

Anderson's legislation also included an emergency clause that makes the law effective now, instead of July 1. 

 “I was pleased to patron this legislation to ensure that our children are safe on their trips to and from school," Anderson said in a prepared statement. "Parents expect us to take care of their students from the time they leave home and until they return.  This bill does just that.”

Anderson said he worked with a Democrat from Fairfax to get the bill passed. Del. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, filed a similar bill and he ended up sponsoring the bill with Anderson. The combined legislation passed both the Senate and House with unanimous votes.