Indiana Legislators Back Tougher Law On Passing School Buses

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana drivers would face tougher penalties for passing stopped school buses under a bill that's been approved by legislators.

The Indiana House and Senate on Tuesday both voted in favor of the bill letting a judge suspend a driver's license for 90 days the first time someone was convicted of recklessly passing a stopped bus. Other provisions would create felony offenses to recklessly pass a bus and injure or kill someone.

Relatives of three children fatally struck while crossing a northern Indiana highway urged lawmakers to support the tougher penalties.

The youths were killed in the Oct. 30 pre-dawn collision near Rochester. The driver who hit the children told authorities she didn't realize she was approaching a stopped bus.

The bill now goes to Gov. Eric Holcomb for consideration.