PITTSBURGH — Bus companies and school districts would be allowed to record audio on school buses under legislation that would modify the state's wiretapping and surveillance law and, supporters say, help deter unruly student behavior.

Some buses already use silent video cameras, but questions have arisen about whether recording sound violates the law, which requires the consent of the person being recorded.

State Rep. Don Walko, D-55th, said his legislation would allow school boards to authorize audio taping while requiring notification of students and parents and placing signs on buses stating audio taping is taking place.

"There is a lack of consistency among district attorneys throughout Pennsylvania, so again what we are doing is clarifying what we believe should be the law and putting in the safeguards," Walko said at a House judiciary committee hearing Tuesday.

Supporters, including the Pennsylvania School Bus Association, say audio recordings can help reduce bullying and sexual harassment and give a more complete account of an incident than video alone.

The Pennsylvania State Police, which conducts annual school bus inspections and unannounced spot checks, also supports the legislation, saying audio and video recording deters unruly behavior.

The state School Boards Association supports the legislation's intent, but not Walko's bill, according to written testimony presented Tuesday.

Instead, it supports modifying the existing wiretap law to say that people cannot have an expectation of privacy in places that aren't typically private if plainly visible video and audio recording equipment is in use, along with signs indicating such use.

The legislation is being offered both as a bill and as an amendment to another bill. If it doesn't move this session, Walko said he would reintroduce it.