Gabby’s Law Passed by Florida Lawmakers

Five years after Gabbrielle Mair lost her life crossing the road from a school bus stop, the Florida legislator has finally passed “Gabby’s Law” to help protect our children.  House Bill 41 (Gabby’s Law), passed in the Florida legislature earlier this year without opposition. The new law authorizes reasonable safety changes to school pedestrian paths, while requiring school boards to work with cities and counties to identify risky walking conditions. Although this is a huge step in the right direction, Donald Mair, Gabby’s father, thinks that there is still a lot of work left to be done.

Mair has been fighting for the passing of Gabby’s Law since his daughter lost her life; even though the law was successful, his fight is far from finished.  Gabby’s Law led to another legislative bill, House Bill 487. House Bill 487 (or HB487) was created to increase punishments for drivers who fail to follow the current school bus traffic safety laws. If HB487 passed it would have classified driving past a stopped school bus with its appended stop signs actively displayed as reckless driving. Much to the dismay of parents, teachers and Donald Mair, the bill stalled before it could even be voted on.

Mair has openly expressed his dissatisfaction about the second bill as shown in the excerpt from  School Transportation News

“This lack of action disappointed Mair, who believed that state representatives placed politics over “the safety of children.” Mair reported that he plans to challenge Rep. David Santiago in 2016 for the District 27 seat for failing to advance HB487. “I just want to the chance to go after the lawbreakers.”

If you would like more information on how you can help support Donald Mair and his cause, please visit the Gabby’s Law Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gabbyslaw.

If you or your family have been injured while going to or from school and you have any questions please contact us at 727-669-2828 and one of our Clearwater Attorneys will be in touch with you within one business day.