PUERTO RICO
Bill Links Driver's License to School Attendance
Public hearings have recently been conducted on House of Representatives Bill 406 introduced by Representative Valle Martinez. The bill was referred to the Commission of Transportation and Public Works.
If passed, the law would amend the Puerto Rico Motor Vehicles and Traffic Code to require minors up to 18 years of age to provide a school certificate indicating attendance at school authorized by the Secretary of the Department of Education before they could obtain a driver's license.
The problem with the bill for home schoolers is that many public school officials in Puerto Rico do not recognize home schools as non-governmental entity schools. Therefore, there is a strong probability that the Department of Motor Vehicles and Traffic would not issue a license to a home school minor because he or she would not be able to obtain the school certificate.
Home School Legal Defense Association was informed of the bill by attorney Carlos Perez, a home schooling father in Puerto Rico. Attorney Perez testified at the public hearing and voiced his opposition to the concept. We informed Attorney Perez that we were not aware of any study in the states where these types of laws have been imposed which would show that the law actually accomplished its intent, i.e., retention of minors in school. Additionally, we indicated that this type of legislation invades the parental authority guaranteed under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
One additional problem with this type of legislation is that it can force some minors to be in the school who do not want to be in school and are very disruptive for the rest of the children who desire to learn.
Hearings will continue on this matter, and Attorney Perez has reported that it did not appear that the legislators were excited about the bill. HSLDA's hope is that the bill will be defeated. We continue to monitor the bill, and, should it become obvious that the bill is going to pass, we will offer language to amend the bill to accommodate home schoolers in Puerto Rico. Please pray that if any legislation is passed on this issue that home school students will be protected.
Printer Friendly Version
