ALBANY, N.Y. -- It's happening all too often across the state.

"It's a huge problem. We estimate 45,000 to 50,000 times a day, a motorist passes a school bus. That's a lot," said Peter Mannella, executive director for the New York Association for Pupil Transportation.

Governor Andrew Cuomo included in his executive budget a plan to allow school districts to begin using stop sign cameras on their buses. It wouldn't be mandatory, but would give schools the option to participate. Managed by a private company, photos of offenders would be sent to local law enforcement for a final decision on whether to fine the offender. The state Senate has included the proposal in its one-house budget.

"The way we would do it in the Senate is different than the governor's proposal. We would provide reimbursement to the schools so they could afford the cameras," said Sen. Cathy Young.

The governor's proposal would have districts work out contracts with private companies who typically provide the cameras and installation free of charge in exchange for a percentage of the fine money. Making the process free, easy and hassle-free for the district is a key priority.

"The school bus is supposed to be a safe and secure place for the kids. You don't want to turn it into a law enforcement agency," said Mannella.

Where the fine money would go is still up for debate.

"This is about enforcement. It's already illegal. Maybe the money would go to the municipality. Maybe a portion to the school. There's different ways we could structure it," said Young.

The New York State Assembly recently dropped this proposal from its one-house budget, but advocates are hopeful it can be added back before the budget passes.