LC Sheriff Chuck T Jackson
Awww, they grow up soooo fast! Just a few short days then the busses will be back out. Watch for children, slow, stopped or turning busses. Allow extra travel time for the increased traffic.
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Commonwealth of Kentucky Senator Scott Madon |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2026 Contact: Morgan P’Pool Morgan.PPool@kylegislature.gov (O.) 502-564-2450 | (C.) 270-339-1544 |
A NEW SCHOOL YEAR, SAFER JOURNEYS AHEADA Back to School Message from Sen. Scott Madon |
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As students across Kentucky head back to the classroom, a new school year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow and prepare for the future. Whether it is a child’s first day of kindergarten or a student’s final year before graduation, each school year marks a new beginning filled with excitement and possibility. As families settle back into familiar routines, it is also an important time to remember that every student deserves a safe journey to and from school.
One of the most important responsibilities we share as a community is protecting children as they travel on our roads. That is why I was proud to sponsor House Bill 7, which strengthens school bus safety laws and helps better protect Kentucky students.
Under HB 7, drivers are now required to stop whenever a school or church bus has its signal lights flashing and its stop arm extended on most roadways, including highways and four-lane roads with a center turning lane. Drivers traveling in both directions must stop unless the roadway is divided by an elevated barrier or an unpaved median. A painted center line or middle turning lane does not create an exception.
The law also allows school districts to install stop-arm camera systems to identify motorists who illegally pass stopped buses and strengthens penalties for violations. While these changes improve accountability, the greatest difference will always come from drivers choosing to slow down, stay alert and put children’s safety first.
Every time a school bus stops, young lives are depending on the decisions we make behind the wheel. A few extra moments of patience can prevent a tragedy and help ensure every child arrives safely at school and returns home to their family at the end of the day.
To Kentucky’s teachers, school staff, bus drivers, parents and families, thank you for everything you do to support our students. Your dedication helps create safe, welcoming schools where children can learn, grow and succeed.
As another school year begins, I encourage everyone to do their part. By following the law and watching out for one another, we can help make this a safe, successful and rewarding year for students across the commonwealth. ### Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville, represents the 29th Senate District, which includes Bell, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, and Letcher Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Protection. He also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Local Government; Natural Resources and Energy; State Government; and Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology. In addition, he is a member of the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee.
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