Opinion: Rep. Simmons Addresses Bus Stop Controversy

The following Op-Ed was submitted by state Rep. Justin Simmons (R-131):

As State Representative for the 131st District, I have become increasingly concerned with the Saucon Valley School Board’s decision to place a bus stop near the home of a registered sex offender. 

Children are the future of our country and the most vulnerable members of our society.  We must do everything we can to protect them. The addition of Meghan’s Law has been a great success in our state and I am proud to say we have strengthened it this session in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 

While I understand that the to move this bus stop was due to hazardous conditions at the previous stop, it seems to defeat the purpose of safety to put the new stop near the home of a registered sex offender. 

I will be addressing this problem through legislation in Harrisburg.  I will be introducing a bill that amends Section 1362 of the Public School Code regarding the requirement of free transportation for students. Currently, Section 1362 does not reimburse school districts for the bussing of children who reside within a mile and one-half from school unless the Department of Transportation determines the walking route to be a hazard. 

In determining what constitutes a hazard, the Department of Transportation has a statutory duty to consider relevant road and traffic conditions. Right now, the Department of Transportation does not have a duty to consider the presence of registered sex offender residences along the walking routes used by children to get to the bus stop.   

My amendment to Section 1362 will require that the Department of Transportation take into account the residences of registered sex offenders as provided by the Pennsylvania State Police in making its determination as to whether or not this constitutes a hazard to pupils. If deemed so, my amendment will make the state reimburse the school district for any additional costs associated with a new walking route to the bus stop.

Of course, this will not be the sole factor in determining a bus stop. It will be added as an additional requirement for the Department of Transportation to take into consideration. It is not currently a requirement, which I believe is a serious loop hole.

I believe this change in the law will prevent occurrences like the one that has happened this fall in Saucon Valley and protect our children across the Commonwealth.

As the Representative for the 131st District and as a member of the House Education Committee, I will be introducing this bill shortly.

As a proud resident of the 131st District, I know I speak for the vast majority of my constituents in suggesting that the Saucon Valley School Board do the right thing and move this bus stop. 

I would appreciate your support in this endeavor and will keep you posted when this bill is assigned a number. You can follow the bill’s progress at www.repsimmons.com