A law that took effect in 2024 and stiffens penalties for motorists who pass a stopped school bus while children are loading or unloading is causing problems in one metro Atlanta county.
Addy’s Law, which Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed in April 2024, requires public school systems to prioritize bus routes that avoid students crossing roadways with speed limits of 40 miles per hour or higher. It also mandates the addition of stop-arm cameras on buses and increases penalties for motorists who pass a stopped school bus while children are being picked up.
The new law, named for Adalynn Pierce, an eight-year-old from Henry County who was killed while crossing the road to board her school bus, makes it a high and aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of at least $1,000 and up to 12 months in confinement upon conviction. The bill will also send the tag information to the owner’s insurance carrier if more than one violation occurs.
The law, codified by House Bill 409, took effect on July 1, 2024. Now Cobb County says installing 150 school bus cameras has increased the number of court cases, prompting officials to open the state’s first drive-through court service.
The drive-through court opens on Monday, Feb. 23, and officials say it will offer the public a faster, more convenient way to pay fines.
The Cobb County State and Magistrate Court Clerk’s Office Express will operate from 122 Waddell Street, Marietta. Individuals will be able to pay for traffic citations, school bus arm violations, probation fees, fines and restitution for cases that do not require a court appearance.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, Feb 23.
“Modern courts must meet people where they are,” said State Court Clerk Tahnicia Phillips, who developed the concept. “The Clerk’s Office Express provides a faster, more convenient way for people to resolve their cases and get back to their day.”
Individuals should bring their citation or case number, a photo ID, and a debit or credit card to make payments. Court staff will provide receipts.
“We are proud to provide a service that makes court access easier for our community,” said Phillips. “We hope it sets a precedent for other courts and shows that innovation doesn’t always require new technology.”
The Clerk’s Office Express will operate 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will be operating out of the former Cobb Purchasing Department Building.
Online payment options remain available. A Cobb County spokesperson could not say whether the county conducted any analysis before the law took effect to determine whether it would affect court operations.
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