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Indiana legislators back tougher law on passing school buses

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana drivers would face tougher penalties for passing stopped school buses under a bill that’s been approved by legislators.

The Indiana House and Senate on Tuesday both voted in favor of the bill letting a judge suspend a driver’s license for 90 days the first time someone was convicted of recklessly passing a stopped bus. Other provisions would create felony offenses to recklessly pass a bus and injure or kill someone.

Relatives of three children fatally struck while crossing a northern Indiana highway urged lawmakers to support the tougher penalties.

The youths were killed in the Oct. 30 predawn collision near Rochester. The driver who hit the children told authorities she didn’t realize she was approaching a stopped bus.

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The bill now goes to Gov. Eric Holcomb for consideration.