State lawmaker introduces bill that would increase safety requirements after teen crashed while exiting private school bus without a stop sign - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

(WSVN) – A South Florida student was shot and injured while getting off a school bus. His mother said the accident could have been prevented. Now an effort to spur change is prompting action from a state lawmaker. 7New’s Heather Walker has the latest in this 7Investigates update.

Those who violated the law were caught red-handed. Cameras installed on Miami-Dade school buses Obtaining license plates of illegally passing vehicles.

Technology like this is relatively new.

But stop signs on school buses are not like that.

Dr. Regina Saenz: “I didn’t want to watch the video right away.”

As 7studies reported in MayThere were no stop signs on the private school bus that dropped Nicholas Suarez-Saenz off after school in Coral Gables.

From the neighbor’s security camera, you can see the 15-year-old boy starting to cross the street.

A moment later, this minibus hit him.

Police said the driver crossed the double yellow line.

Nicholas Suarez-Saenz: “I was really lucky. “If it had been one second late on his side or one second early on my side, I wouldn’t be here in this interview right now.”

Her mother is Dr. Regina Saenz feared the worst.

Dr. Regina Saenz: “I made a few phone calls and asked people to pray.”

Fortunately, Nicholas had minor injuries, but his mother says the accident revealed a big problem. In Florida, stop signs are required on public school buses, but not on private school vans. This situation may change soon.

Dr. Regina Saenz: “Although it was difficult, my goal in speaking out was to share our experiences and encourage change to ensure that every child has the same protections when they go to school.”

To enter Senate Bill 52It was filed last week by state senator Ileana Garcia.

If passedThe bill would require stop signs on all school buses and vehicles. “This legislation would standardize safety requirements for all school buses and vehicles and ensure the safe transportation of students regardless of whether they attend public, private, or charter schools,” Senator Garcia tells us.

Dr. Regina Saenz: “I was emotional because I felt like I had a chance to protect other children instead of being subjected to an event like my child.”

Senator Garcia describes the family’s experience: “It highlighted the urgent need to improve safety standards in private school transportation.”

Dr. Regina Saenz: “I’m very hopeful and it’s gratifying to see that someone is listening.”

The 2025 legislative session doesn’t start until March, and introducing the bill is just the first step. However, Dr. Saenz believes this is a step in the right direction.

Dr. Regina Saenz: “If at some point another child could be prevented from getting injured on the way home from school, that would be very satisfying to me.”

A parent who turns his family’s pain into an effort to help others.

Heather Walker, 7 News.

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