(WJET/WFXP) – Pennsylvania updated a new school bus law to increase child safety before and after school.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) updated the program guidelines for the School Bus Side Stop Signal Arm Enforcement Systems with further instructions on the hearing process and other reminders for the program.

Act 19 of 2023 now allows school districts to install and operate automated camera systems to enforce Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law. Also under the law, the car owner has the right to request a hearing to contest liability before a PennDOT Hearing Officer at no cost to the owner.

The updated law included additional transparency with an annual report for school districts with the cameras and they will be prepared jointly with PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police. The reports are required to include:

The name of the system administrator.

The number of school buses equipped with a side stop signal arm enforcement system.

The number of notices of violation issued.

The amount of fines imposed and collected.

The amounts paid under agreements authorized under the law.

The results of contested violations.

Use of additional revenue funds and any grants awarded from the program.

“This program is about increasing the safety of children riding school buses across the state,” said Mike Carroll, secretary of PennDOT. “Please stop for, and never pass, stopped school buses with their red lights flashing and stop arm extended. The safety of our children is in your hands.”