Transportation (Pedestrian Safety)

HB 2742 increases penalties for drivers who fail to stop for a school bus by adding 5 points to their license for this violation. It also allows school districts to install cameras on school buses to detect such failures, but only when the bus is actively loading or unloading students (stop arm extended and lights activated). School districts must approve camera use through a board vote, and footage can only be used as evidence for the violation - unrelated footage cannot be retained. The bill does not require districts to install cameras, only offers this option as a safety tool.

HB 2953 increases penalties for drivers who run red lights in Missouri. Under this bill, violating traffic signal laws becomes a class B misdemeanor (previously class C), and escalates to a class A misdemeanor if a pedestrian is struck. The change directly affects drivers who fail to stop at red lights, with stricter penalties when pedestrian safety is compromised. The bill amends Missouri's traffic code to adjust penalty levels without altering the underlying traffic rules. It focuses solely on penalty severity, not on new enforcement methods or safety infrastructure.

SB 972 requires all new at-grade railroad crossings built after August 28, 2026, to include advanced detection systems that identify pedestrians, vehicles, and wildlife using sensors and AI. These systems must analyze risks in real time, send alerts to train crews, and integrate with existing safety protocols. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) must develop standards for these systems, prioritize high-risk crossings for upgrades, and create a grant program to fund installations. Rail operators must annually report system performance data to MoDOT, which will evaluate effectiveness and submit biennial reports to the legislature. The bill directly affects new railroad construction projects, MoDOT, and rail operators in Missouri.

HB 2246 requires drivers to stop at railroad crossings when approaching *any* on-track equipment (like maintenance vehicles or work trains), not just trains. Drivers must stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail and wait until it’s safe to proceed if signals warn of an approaching train or on-track equipment, a gate is lowered, or equipment is visible and close. This expands existing rules that previously only required stops for trains. The bill directly affects all drivers approaching railroad crossings and aims to improve safety by broadening the circumstances requiring a stop.

HB 1939 modifies Missouri law to allow municipalities to permit golf cart operation on streets with posted speed limits of 25 mph or lower, directly affecting local governments and golf cart users. The bill requires golf carts to meet specific safety standards, including headlights, reflectors, brakes, and a valid driver's license for operators, while prohibiting operation on sidewalks, pedestrian trails, or highways with speed limits over 45 mph. It explicitly states golf carts are exempt from vehicle registration and must not exceed 25 mph. This bill replaces existing provisions to clarify municipal authority and safety requirements for golf cart use within city limits.