“ I spoke to Representative Murphy and explained why I was passionate about curbing stop-arm violations ,” Thompson said . “ I explained why I thought it was a win-win proposition for children , districts , parents , and elected officials .” “ My first reaction was surprise that districts were not already empowered to do this ,” Murphy said . “ Regulations on school bus equipment are important , but in this case the benefits were so obvious . We needed to get it done to increase visibility of kids near the bus . It was a no-brainer .” Murphy introduced legislation in 2019 which ran into some roadblocks , with IDOT expressing concern about whether the bill ’ s language would interfere with federal guidelines . Once it was clarified that no such conflict existed , COVID-19 struck in 2020 – and most legislation was shelved until the next session . In the interim , Thompson connected with Trevor Clatfelter , mayor of Sherman , Illinois , and a lobbyist in the state . Clatfelter immediately saw the safety value of this technology and told Thompson he was confident he could help Murphy pass the bill . “ It is a great bill ,” Clatfelter said . “ It is something I am proud of , and I have personally enjoyed lobbying . I put every bit of my heart and effort into this , because I have three young children myself .” Thus , Murphy introduced Illinois House Bill 2584 ( HB2584 ) this February , proposing an amendment to the Illinois Vehicle Code . Co-sponsored by Representative Jonathan Carroll , HB2584 initially aimed to authorize districts to immediately begin equipping systems like BusGates . After some debate , legislators introduced an amendment which instead allows IDOT to establish pilot programs to permit testing of safety equipment not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law . Furthermore , the amendment allows IDOT to permit stop-arm extensions without violating existing vehicle width restrictions . “ The pilot program provision is a big step forward ,” Thompson said . “ Safety laws like this can take a long time to get passed , and this is critical first step to allow Illinois districts the use of systems like this .” Murphy added that it is important to note that this is not an unfunded mandate . The new law will simply allow districts to initiate pilot programs for onboard safety technology without running afoul of governing IDOT guidelines or restrictions . With the help of Murphy and Clatfelter the bill sailed through the House committees before passing unanimously . Senators Chapin
Rose and Laura M . Murphy sponsored the bill when it moved to the Illinois State Senate . On May 27 , the bill passed both houses with unanimous support . It was sent to Illinois Governor J . B . Pritzker in late June , and at press time HB2584 is soon expected to be signed into law . “ This was a difficult year to lobby the Illinois legislature ,” Clatfelter said . “ Because of COVID restrictions , we effectively had to lobby with phone calls , text messages , and emails . It can be tough without face-to-face contact , but we were still successful thanks to the strength of the bill . In a normal year , I am confident that this bill would have as many co-sponsors as it did Yes votes .”
Making a Safety Difference For Clatfelter , the effects of the pending legislation are already apparent . At a recent gathering of friends , Clatfelter spoke with a resident of Sherman who disclosed that in his childhood he was once the recipient of a heart transplant . Clatfelter said he was amazed to hear that , when this resident was eight years old , he received a heart donation from a young girl struck and killed outside of her school bus . “ It was amazing to hear , but sobering ,” Clatfelter said . “ This resident is a medical marvel , but unfortunately that little girl died because someone drove around her bus when it was stopped . She did not get to live out her childhood nor become an adult . Stories like that show us why technology like this is so critical .” “ Parents have so much to worry about today ,” Murphy added . “ They should not have to worry when putting their child on a school bus . We should take all precautions we can to ensure those kids ’ safety , and this law can hopefully eliminate one of the hazards kids face when boarding or exiting a bus .” Thompson and Stauffer said they are hopeful the Illinois legislation will encourage other states to take similar measures , allowing districts to push new safety technology to save lives . “ It is so exciting to be a part of a difference-making effort ,” Stauffer said . “ I would love to see arms like this on every school in the United States . It will save kids ’ lives .” Thompson added , based on discussions he had before the pandemic , that many Canadian districts will also opt for stop-arm extension devices once COVID-19 restrictions have fully lifted . " In my opinion BusGates , or a stop arm extension , will eventually be on every school bus in the United States and beyond into North America ," Thompson said . “ I truly think it is the only measure that will deter people from illegally passing buses .”
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