Assemblyman Simonsen Co-Sponsors School Bus Monitoring Bill to Protect South Jersey Students
TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Simonsen announced today that he has signed on as a co-sponsor of Assembly Bill 3887, legislation that would authorize municipalities and school districts to install school bus monitoring systems to deter illegal passing of stopped school buses and better protect children across New Jersey. Today, Assembly Bill 3887 has passed the Assembly Education Committee.
The bill permits the use of camera-based enforcement systems mounted on school buses to capture vehicles that unlawfully pass while red lights are flashing and stop arms are deployed. Violations documented through these systems would carry a $300 civil penalty, without motor vehicle penalty points, while ensuring accountability for dangerous driving behavior.
A recently retired school administrator and former Athletic Director at Lower Cape May Regional High School, Assemblyman Simonsen said his professional experience makes the issue especially personal.
“As a school administrator and Athletic Director, I was responsible for students traveling to games, tournaments, competitions, and events throughout the year,” Simonsen said.
“This isn’t just about before or after school. It’s when your kids head to a sporting event, a chess tournament, a spelling bee, a field trip, or any school-connected activity. I’ve seen firsthand how often our buses are on the road and how important it is that drivers respect the law when those red lights are flashing.”
“When a driver ignores a stopped school bus, they are gambling with a child’s life,” Simonsen added. “We have seen how quickly a routine bus stop can turn into a traumatic event for a family and a community. We owe it to our families in Cape May, Cumberland, and Atlantic Counties to use every available tool to prevent that from happening again.”
Under A3887, municipalities and school districts would be authorized to contract with private vendors to install and maintain school bus monitoring systems. Recorded evidence would be reviewed by local law enforcement before any notice of liability is issued. The bill also establishes clear procedures for notification, contesting citations, and protecting privacy through strict limits on data retention.
Revenue collected from violations would be directed back to municipalities and school districts to support public safety efforts, including enhanced monitoring and community education initiatives.
“Our children should never have to wonder whether traffic will stop when their bus lights are flashing,” Simonsen said. “When the bus stops, you stop. It’s that simple.”