(Photo By Flickr User Cara Courage)

Newsline: Springfield, IL

The Illinois House voted last week to double the fines drivers face if they illegally pass a school bus picking up or dropping off students.

According to WEEK-TV, the House Bill 1873, would double the first-time fine from $150 to $300; and second offense fines from $500 to $1,000.

“This is a public safety bill suggested by a constituent to help save lives and protect our children and grandchildren from people who ignore the stop signs and safety gates opened on school buses,” said state Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), a former school board member and sponsor of the bill. “These fines have not been increased for many years and just as all fines in law, these fines are intended to help stop people from putting children in danger.”

The bill now goes to the Illinois Senate.