SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan moving in the Illinois Senate could increase the fine for people driving around school buses using the extended stop arm.

Drivers stopped by police for ignoring school bus safety arms are currently fined a minimum of $300 and have their driver's license suspended for six months. Illinois school districts can also currently choose to install stop arm safety technology, but the fine for drivers is capped at $150.

House Bill 3175 would create a uniform $300 fine for the first offense and $1,000 for a second or subsequent violation.

"Jurisdictions consistently see that roughly nine out of 10 motorists who receive one ticket never receive a second," said Sam Olsen, director of government relations for BusPatrol.

The proposal passed out of the Senate Executive Committee on an 11-2 vote and now heads to the Senate floor. This bill gained unanimous support in the House last year. 

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