With school systems across the state beginning the new academic year, Governor Brain Kemp signed one of the country’s toughest school bus laws which took effect July 1.
House Bill 409, also known as Addy’s Law, increases the fine for motorists who pass a stopped school bus to $1,000. In addition, passing a school bus is now an aggravated misdemeanor and could possibly result in 12 months of jail time.
Addy’s Law is named for 8year-old Adalynn ‘Addy’ Pierce, who was struck and killed February 1 by 25-yearold Kaylee Andre. Pierce was walking across a two-lane street in Henry County to get on the school bus.
According to Henry County troopers, the bus was stopped with red flashing lights, and its stop sign was activated at the front and rear when Andre attempted to pass it. Addy’s mother, Ashley Pierce, was watching her daughter get on the bus when the tragedy occurred.
In addition to the increased fine, Addy’s Law mandates public school systems to prioritize bus routes which avoid students crossing roads with a speed limit over 40 miles per hour. The bill also requires tag information be sent to the driver’s insurance carrier if more than one violation occurs.
