A proposed Tennessee law would significantly increase the fine for drivers who fail to stop for school buses.Current law states when a school bus has stopped to pick up or drop off children, driver’s must stop before reaching the bus and cannot proceed until the bus halts visual signals and resumes motion.

Failure to do so is currently punishable by a fine between $250-$1,000 as a Class A misdemeanor.

HB0055 was introduced by Rep. Jason Potts (D-Nashville) on Thursday and it would elevate the crime to a Class E felony. Instead of a maximum fine of $1,000 the proposed law would change the fine to no less than $500 and no more than $3,000.

If passed, the law would take effect July 1, 2019.