To amend chapter 304, RSMo, by adding one new section relating to school bus operation, with an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:

     Section A. Chapter 304, RSMo, is amended by adding one new section, to be known as section 304.055, to read as follows:

     304.055. 1. No school bus shall be operated upon the streets or highways within this state unless it is equipped with a safety arm on the front to keep children from crossing directly in front of the bus out of view of the bus driver.

     2. The safety arm required by this section shall be used when the school bus is stopped to pick up or drop off children.

     3. No safety arm shall be required upon any bus which is designed to allow the driver to clearly see any child standing directly in front of the bus.

     Section B. The provisions of section 304.055 shall go into effect upon January 1, 1998.