State Representative Lauren Daniel (R-Locust Grove) recently introduced House Bill 1284, which would increase the penalties for passing a school bus and encourage schools to pick up students on the right side of a road that has a speed limit of over 40 mph.
House Bill 1284, or “Addy’s Law,” was named after eight-year-old Adalyn Pierce of Henry County who was killed by a driver as she was crossing the road to get onto her school bus.
This legislation would require public school systems to consider bus routes that do not force students getting on a school bus to cross roadways with speed limits of 40 miles per hour or greater. Violators would be guilty of a high and aggravated misdemeanor and given a fine of no less than $1,000 or confinement of no less than 12 months, or both, upon conviction, which would quadruple the fine associated with passing a school bus.
Representatives Clint Crowe (R-Jackson) and Karen Mathiak (R-Griffin) are cosponsors of HB 1284.
“As a mother, I cannot imagine the immense amount of pain sweet Addy’s family is experiencing,” said Rep. Daniel. “After talking with her mother, I have dropped HB 1284 in an effort to prevent drivers from being reckless when near a school bus and to also hold them accountable when they are. I am hopeful this will bring awareness to the issue and that our community will continue to rally around this family during this difficult time.”
“In the wake of the heartbreaking loss of Addy, a bright and beloved member of our community, our resolve to safeguard our children has never been stronger,” said Rep. Crowe. “This devastating incident highlights an urgent need for action against the reckless endangerment of our most vulnerable citizens—our children. They deserve to journey to and from school under the mantle of safety, and it is our duty to ensure that no other family endures the pain of losing a child in such a preventable manner.”
“HB 1284 would bring some relief to the family of Addy and their community as they grieve this tragic loss,” said Rep. Mathiak. “This common-sense legislation is necessary in protecting our young students and helping prevent more tragedies like this one. Children should feel safe crossing the street on their way to the bus. I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to support this bill as it makes its way through the legislative process.”
To read more about House Bill 1284, click here.
