AUGUSTA - On Wednesday, Governor Janet Mills signed into law a measure that will improve safety for students when entering and exiting a school bus. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell.
LD 62 requires antipinch sensors to be installed in all new school buses starting in 2025.
In 2022, two students, one from Auburn and another from Buxton, were caught by their school bus doors and placed in harm's way. Antipinch sensors can help prevent these types of accidents by stopping doors from closing with a child caught in them.
"A child's safety should be first priority above all else when transporting students to and from school," said Golek. Our state has a responsibility for the safety of Maine children, and this legislation will reduce the likelihood of injury by placing common-sense measures on school bus doors with installing antipinch technology. This legislation should give children and loved ones greater assurance their child will be safe on school buses going forward.
The bill will take effect in October 2023.
Golek, a member of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and the Joint Select Committee on Housing, is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents Harpswell and part of Brunswick.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Golek], c. 305-965-2744