WELLS — State Rep. Dan Hobbs, D-Wells, offered his support for, LD 656, An Act To Increase the Penalty for Passing a School Bus with Its Red Lights Flashing before the Legislature’s Transportation Committee on Thursday.
The bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Richard Cebra, R-Naples, would allow the assessment of six demerit points on a driver’s license, a fine of $2,000 and a term of imprisonment of 90 days for drivers that illegally pass a school bus with flashing red lights.

Hobbs, a former Wells school bus driver, voiced his support for this bipartisan legislation and shared some of the harrowing experiences he witnessed as a bus driver in York County. “From my experience in the transportation sector, I have recognized that even the most experienced driver is only as safe as the least capable driver on the road,” said Hobbs.

“In order to cut down on this dangerous behavior, we cannot rely on the current laws in place,” added Hobbs. “We must create stricter penalties, which will send a clear message to drivers that their reckless behavior puts children at risk and is not acceptable in our state.”

The legislation is supported by the Maine Association for Pupil Transportation.

Hobbs, who is serving his first term in the Maine House, represents part of the town of Wells. He serves on the Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

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