Senate Bill 91: Driver Licensing and School Enrollment

Author:
Senators Landen, Bebout, Cooper, Meier, and Peterson and Representatives Davison, Hallinan, Harshman, Harvey, Millin, Shepperson and Zwonitzer

Summary:
This bill prohibits individuals from being issued a driver’s license unless they can show evidence of: (1) A diploma, GED or some other certificate of high school graduation; or (2) a certification signed by the appropriate authority that the person is enrolled in a course leading to a GED or enrolled in a school.

Status:

1/12/2009		(Senate) Assigned a bill number
1/14/2009		(Senate) Received for introduction

HSLDA’s Position:
Oppose.

This bill would make it more difficult for homeschooled students to obtain a driver’s license. The bill increases reporting requirements on homeschoolers who are beyond compulsory attendance age. The language of the bill is poorly worded and it is unclear whether homeschooled students could provide documentation that would satisfy the bill’s criteria. The bill further affects a person who cannot or will not provide evidence of graduation or enrollment in a school by prohibiting him from receiving a driver’s license—a necessity in most cases in today’s modern society in order to work. This type of legislation unnecessarily and unreasonably interferes with citizens’ rights and privileges and interferes with a parent’s authority to determine whether an otherwise qualified child should be allowed to apply for and receive a driver’s license.

Action Requested:
None at this time.

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