Sen. Ileana Garcia files bill requiring stop signs on all school buses and transportation vehicles

MIAMI - Sen. Ileana Garcia, R-Miami, filed a bill last week for the 2025 legislative session that, if passed, would require stop signs on all school buses and transportation vehicles.

"I introduced SB 52 because, as a parent, the safety of our children is my top priority. This proposed legislation seeks to establish uniform safety standards for all school buses and transportation vehicles, ensuring that every student is securely transported, whether they are enrolled in public, private, or charter schools," Garcia told The Floridian Press.

Garcia's legislation was sparked after a South Florida student was hit and injured by a van after getting off a private school shuttle in Coral Gables. According to police, the driver crossed a double yellow line and struck the 15-year-old as they crossed the street.

Luckily, the student survived after only suffering minor injuries.

Unlike most common yellow public school buses, the private school bus in the incident had no stop sign. In Florida, stop signs are required on public school buses but not on private school shuttles

To boost student safety, Miami-Dade County Public Schools also installed advanced camera technology on district school buses in May. However, fewer measures are given to private school shuttles, including stop signs.

"It puzzles me why we have two separate sets of safety regulations," Garcia added.

Garcia represents Senate District 36, which covers part of Miami-Dade County. In 2022, Garcia handily defeated Democratic candidate Raquel Pachecho for the seat by eighteen points.

Garcia has also announced a run for a second term, which will occur in 2026.

Recently, she also was named chair of the Criminal & Civil Justice Appropriations Committee by Senate President Ben Albritton for the upcoming legislative session.

"I rely on local news outlets to gauge the genuine needs of our community. Corporate policies that don't prioritize community well-being don't resonate with me; instead, I'm very outspoken against any overreach while still valuing the principles of private business, all while making safety a priority," Garcia continued. "It's all about finding the right balance."

The 2025 legislative session will occur from March 4 to May 2 in Tallahassee. If passed, SB 52 would take effect on July 1, 2025.