• Senate Considers Changes to Stop Arm Camera Law 
• Senate Moves Kindergarten Mandate
• Register Today for Spring 2024 Behind the Scenes at the Capitol 

Senate Considers Changes to Stop Arm Camera Law 

The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee began hearings on House Bills 4928-4930, which amend the law allowing stop-arm camera systems on school buses. The bills would increase fines and redirect potential revenue from tickets for passing a stopped school bus from libraries to schools. This fits the business model of one particular vendor, who then encourages the revenue from these fines to be used to pay for the camera system. 

MASB testified in opposition to the bills (beginning at 14:15) due to the shift in fine allocation. This does not create consistent revenue to cover the costs of the equipment, nor should it be taken from our libraries. Also, current law already allows a school to install and operate a stop-arm camera system or enter into a contract with a private vendor to do it. Therefore, we believe these bills are unnecessary and may make changes that limit the available vendors. 

The committee indicated that there may be changes to the bill and further hearings later in the month.

Senate Moves Kindergarten Mandate

On Tuesday, the Senate made changes to Senate Bill 285 and set it up for final passage by that chamber. The bill would mandate that all children who turn 5 by September 1 of the year must enroll in kindergarten. Any district that offers first grade would be required to offer kindergarten. During debate on the Senate Floor, language was added to allow a parent to opt to delay enrollment for their child until age 6 if they submit notice to the school district in writing. 

The bill now awaits final debate and passage in the Senate.

Register Today for Spring 2024 Behind the Scenes at the Capitol 

Behind the Scenes at the Capitol will be held on Wednesday, April 24, in the Mackinac Room of the House Office Building in Lansing. Registration is now open!

This event will feature a panel of legislators discussing potential education issues for this year, a presentation on the new Department of Learning, Advancement and Potential, and a discussion on the superintendent evaluation law. We’ll also have an update on the budget and a brief legislative update. 

Finally, your representative and senator will be invited to join us for lunch. It’s a great opportunity for members to network with others from around the state and advocate on behalf of their school districts with their state elected officials. 

Register today to secure your spot.