SESSION WATCH
Died SENATE · SESSION 2026

No. SB 498

School Zone and Pedestrian Safety
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SPONSOR
Rodriguez
FILED BY
Ana Maria Rodriguez — District 40, Republican [search donations]
EFFECTIVE
7/1/2026
DIED IN
Transportation

Filed under Transportation.

PROVIDED SUMMARY

School Zone and Pedestrian Safety; Requiring that design and construction plans for the installation of crosswalks in school zones or on certain streets, roads, or highways include certain traffic control devices, etc.

Full bill text →

Plain English Summary

AI-GENERATED
Requires safety beacons at new unsignalized school-zone or high-speed crosswalks.

Starting October 1, 2026, design and construction plans for a new crosswalk in a school zone, or on a road posted above 35 miles per hour, must include specific pedestrian safety devices whenever the crossing is not at a signalized intersection.

The plans must use either a pedestrian hybrid beacon meeting federal manual standards, or a combination of rectangular rapid flashing beacons, flashing beacons, or in-roadway warning lights.

If in-roadway warning lights are used, they must be paired with rectangular rapid flashing beacons or flashing beacons so the crosswalk stays visible to approaching drivers.

The requirement applies only to new design and construction plans, so crosswalks already built without these devices do not have to be retrofitted under this provision.

KEY PROVISIONS
§ 1 New non-intersection crosswalks must use added safety devices majors. 336.045

AIDesign and construction plans for a new crosswalk in a school zone, or on a road posted above 35 mph, must include a pedestrian hybrid beacon or a combination of flashing and warning-light devices, but only when the crossing is not at a signalized intersection.

“a crosswalk in a school zone, or on any public street, road, or highway with a posted speed limit exceeding 35 miles per hour” bill text, line 17 →
§ 2 In-roadway warning lights cannot be used as a stand-alone device moderates. 336.045

AIIf a project chooses in-roadway warning lights, the plan must also include rectangular rapid flashing beacons or flashing beacons alongside them; in-roadway lights alone are not an approved option under this subsection.

“In-Roadway Warning Lights shall be used in conjunction with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons or Flashing Beacons to improve visibility of the crosswalk.” bill text, line 29 →
§ 3 Requirement overrides any conflicting design standard moderates. 336.045

AIThe subsection takes effect 'notwithstanding any law to the contrary,' so this device requirement controls even if another statute or standard would otherwise permit a different crosswalk design.

“Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, beginning October 1, 2026, all design and construction plans for the installation of a crosswalk” bill text, line 15 →
TIMELINE
3/13/2026
Died in Transportation
1/13/2026
Introduced
12/1/2025
Referred to Transportation; Appropriations Committee on...
11/13/2025
Filed
STATUTES IT CHANGES
s. 336.045
+152 / −0