Senator Todd Young, US Senator for Indiana | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senator Todd Young, US Senator for Indiana | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) have introduced the Brake for Kids Act, a bill aimed at increasing public awareness about the dangers of illegally passing stopped school buses. The legislation directs the Secretary of Transportation to launch a national public safety messaging campaign to address this issue.
According to a 2024 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one quarter of people did not know it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus when its lights are flashing and stop arm is extended.
Senator Young stated, “Every school year, far too many illegal school bus passings occur, which puts the lives of students at risk. Our bill will raise awareness about the dangers of passing a stopped school bus to help ensure that our kids make it to and from school safely.”
Senator Peters added, “Parents need to know their kids are safe taking the bus to and from school. That’s why I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan, commonsense legislation to raise awareness of the dangers of illegally passing school buses and promote best practices for making our communities safer.”
In addition to Senate action, Representatives Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02), Pete Stauber (R-MN-08), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), and Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) have introduced similar legislation in the House.
Young and Peters have previously worked together on efforts related to preventing illegal school bus crossings by introducing similar bills in both 2019 and 2021.
The full text of the Brake for Kids Act is available online.
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