Governor Cuomo Backs School Bus Stop Arm Cameras

Governor Andrew Cuomo wants school buses in New York state to be equipped with cameras to record drivers who illegally pass them.

The Democrat also wants students to be required to wear seat belts while on school buses.

The proposals are included in the 2019-2020 state budget plan he released January 15.

Cuomo says installing stop-arm cameras on school buses will significantly improve safety for the 1.5 million students who ride school buses in New York state each year. The devices would record when a vehicle passes a stopped school bus and issue a ticket to the motorist.

The stop-arm cameras were proposed by Republican Senator Catherine Young last year but the bill died in the Assembly.

Democrat Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo of Endwell has shown her support in the past for legislation that would give schools at least an option for cameras but the devices would not be mandatory.

The governor's proposals would have to be approved by the Democrat-controlled Legislature.

(Associate Press contributed to this story.)