State lawmaker filed bill to tighten bus safety requirements after teenager crashed into school bus leaving private bus without stop sign – WSVN 7News | Miami news, weather, sports

(WSVN) – A South Florida student was struck and injured after getting off a school bus. His mother stated that the accident could have been prevented. Now her push for change has prompted the state legislature to take action. Heather Walker has the latest version of the 7Investigates update.

Criminals caught red-handed. Cameras installed on Miami-Dade school buses Capture license plates of cars that pass illegally.

This type of technology is relatively new.

But stop signs on school buses aren’t like that anymore.

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

As reported by 7investigates in MayThere was no stop sign on the private school bus that was taking Nicholas Suarez-Saenz from school in Coral Gables.

A neighbor’s surveillance camera shows the 15-year-old starting to cross the street.

The next moment he gets hit by this van.

Police say the driver crossed the double yellow line.

Nicholas Suarez-Saenz: “I was really lucky. A second later on his part, or a second earlier on my part, I couldn’t be here right now, during this interview.”

His mother, Dr. Regina Saenz, feared the worst.

Dr. Regina Saenz: “I made some calls and asked people for prayers.”

Fortunately, Nicholas only suffered minor injuries, but his mother says the accident revealed a serious problem. In Florida, stop signs are required on public school buses, but not on private school vans. Now that may change soon.

Dr. Regina Saenz: “My goal in speaking out, even though it was difficult, was to share our experience and promote change to ensure that every child has the same protection when they go to school.”

Enter Senate Bill No. 52filed last week by state Sen. Ileana Garcia.

If it passedthe bill would require stop signs to be placed on all buses and school vehicles. Senator Garcia tells us, “This legislation would standardize safety requirements for all school buses and vehicles, ensuring students have safe transportation regardless of whether they attend public, private or charter schools.”

Dr. Regina Saenz: “I was moved because I felt there was a chance to protect other children and not experience an event like my child experienced.”

Senator Garcia shares what the family went through: “He stressed the urgent need to improve safety standards in private school transportation.”

Dr. Regina Saenz: “I’m full of hope and I’m glad someone listened to me.”

The 2025 legislative session doesn’t start until March, and filing a 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 I can prevent another child from getting hurt on the way home from school, it will be a great satisfaction for me.”

A parent who turns the family’s pain into a desire to help others.

Heather Walker, 7 News.

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