Continuing Coverage
Continuing Coverage

School bus stopping bill passes Ga. Senate

Fulton County Schools bus stops on Powers Ferry Road in Sandy Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. A phrase added to a 15-page bill approved late in the Georgia legislative session last year has caused panic among officials responsible for getting children to and from school safely. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
Fulton County Schools bus stops on Powers Ferry Road in Sandy Springs on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. A phrase added to a 15-page bill approved late in the Georgia legislative session last year has caused panic among officials responsible for getting children to and from school safely. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
By Ty Tagami
Feb 8, 2019

The Georgia Senate, in an act of bipartisanship, quickly passed a bill Thursday to reverse a law passed last year that may put children in danger.

School officials say a law that took effect July 1 appears to relax the requirement to stop in the oncoming lane for a school bus that is boarding or releasing students.

At least one child has been killed crossing to a bus in Georgia since the law passed, the Georgia Department of Education says. It happened in October in Colquitt County, when two brothers were crossing a road for a school bus.

RELATED | Why a small change in law could create danger for students

Senate Bill 25 by Sen. Bill Heath, R-Bremen, passed by a unanimous vote, and goes to the House of Representatives, which has its own version in House Bill 75.

About the Author

Ty Tagami is a staff writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Since joining the newspaper in 2002, he has written about everything from hurricanes to homelessness. He has deep experience covering local government and education, and can often be found under the Gold Dome when lawmakers meet or in a school somewhere in the state.

Follow Ty Tagami on facebookFollow Ty Tagami on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Students cheer their families during the Spelman College graduation ceremony at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The Atlanta HBCU's board of trustees recently voted to launch the search for the all-women’s college's 12th president. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Spelman College launches search for new president

As Spelman begins its search for a new president, students and alumni call for a leader who will uphold the Atlanta HBCU's legacy and meet students' evolving needs.

Spelman College, CAU get $38 million donations from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Since the 2019 announcement of her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Scott has made significant investments in HBCUs across the country.

Ga. Head Start programs get $8 million lifeline to stay open during shutdown

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is giving some of Georgia's at-risk Head Start programs bridge loans to stay operational for 45 days.

The Latest

Sheree Smith (left) casts her ballot at Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. In addition to municipal races for mayors, city councils and school board members, this year’s election also will decide the members of the Georgia Public Service Commission. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Three Atlanta school board races appear headed to runoffs

Spelman College, CAU get $38 million donations from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Spelman College launches search for new president

Featured

A person exits the Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta after casting his ballot during election day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

900,000 turn out on Election Day across Georgia

Georgia Public Service Commission seats are on the on the ballot for first time since 2020. Atlanta mayor, local government and school board seats are also up for grabs.

Porsche, trips and more: Feds say former Hawks finance exec embezzled nearly $4M

The Hawks’ former senior vice president of financial planning and analysis allegedly spent years stealing money from the organization.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s populist rise continues with debut on ‘The View’

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared on ABC's “The View” to share her criticisms for Republican Party leaders and answer a range of political questions.