The governor signed a bill into law that bans school bus drivers from using electronic devices while driving on Thursday.
House Bill 1484 prohibits school bus drivers from texting, talking on the phone and taking pictures with a phone or tablet while driving with kids on their bus.
The bill makes it illegal for a driver to use any electronic device even when the bus is stopped to load or unload children. Using a GPS device is also prohibited if it requires the driver to use at least one hand to operate it.
The law goes into effect on July 1.
Two-way radio communication with their dispatchers is still allowed, along with calling to report an emergency situation.
State Sen. Becky Duncan Massey, R-Knoxville, and State Rep. Eddie Smith, R- Knoxville, sponsored the bill.
“There are simply too many ways for drivers to distract themselves on our roadways,” Massey said. “With child safety in mind, we have dramatically broadened and strengthened the law to ensure that our school bus drivers are keeping their focus where it should be.”
The bill was inspired by tragedy. In 2014, two Knox County students and a teacher's aide were killed when one school bus crashed into another. Authorities said the driver who caused the crash was texting with a prostitute when he lost control of his bus.
“This was a vital step to protect our children from unnecessary danger on their way to and from school,” Smith said. “The strengthened penalties should make it very clear that the safety of our children is our number one priority.”
Under the new law, the driver could face up to 30 days in jail and a minimum fine of $1,000. They would also never be able to drive a school bus again.
