An innovative idea developed by the County of Rockland to strengthen school bus safety has now become state law. As part of the 2026 New York State Budget, municipalities are now authorized to establish a Traffic Camera Violations Bureau (TCVB) to handle school bus stop-arm camera violations. The legislation was developed from a concept by Rockland County after identifying challenges with processing violations through traditional court systems.

With the new law in place, the County is moving forward to create its own Traffic Camera Violations Bureau, an administrative court structure designed to support and enhance the County’s School Bus Stop-Arm camera enforcement program.

“Keeping our children safe on the way to and from school is the highest priority,” said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. “By creating a focused, efficient court process for school‑bus stop‑arm violations, we will deliver faster outcomes for residents, reduce strain on local courts, and restore the deterrent effect necessary to protect students. I applaud County Attorney Thomas Humbach who came up with the solution, along with Intergovernmental Relations & Public Policy Director Stephen J. Powers, both of whom worked hand in hand with BusPatrol, which carried the idea to Albany.”

Under this program, municipalities across the state will have the authority to appoint hearing examiners who will preside at hearings for violations, streamlining case processing while alleviating pressure on local courts, and further enhancing the safety goals of the School Bus Stop Arm protection program.

“These reforms strike the right balance between swift enforcement and rigorous due process,” said County Attorney Thomas Humbach. “A specialized Traffic Camera Violations Bureau staffed by experienced hearing examiners will ensure consistent, transparent decisions and give motorists meaningful opportunities to contest alleged violations more quickly, and more conveniently, than in local court.  In addition to having a traditional court room procedure, we intend to offer people the opportunity for video conference hearings and hearings on submissions alone, if that is what they prefer.  We thank our partners at BusPatrol and program staff for their work to bring this important safety reform to fruition.”

The School Bus Stop‑Arm Safety Program continues to demonstrate strong results, including:

• A 30.5% decrease in Notices of Violation (NOLs) issued between the start and end of the 2024–25 school year.
• 23% year‑over‑year reductions in violations.
• 90% of violators do not commit a second offense, showing the program’s effectiveness in deterring repeat behavior.

“This reform is a meaningful step forward for school bus safety, both in Rockland County and across New York State. The Traffic Camera Violations Bureau will provide motorists a clear and efficient path to due process, making the program fairer for everyone — and we’re proud to support Rockland’s continued commitment to keeping students safe,” said Justin Meyers, President & Chief Innovation Officer of BusPatrol.

Drivers who receive a citation can review, pay and/or contest their violation online at www.alertbus.com or call 1‑877‑504‑7080.