A bill lessening some of the requirements for people to get their suspended Florida driver’s license reinstated passed a significant House committee unanimously Tuesday.
Rep. Dana Young, sponsor of HB 1181, applauded the 12-0 passage through the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee.
In addition to requiring drivers who owe back child support to provide documentation to prevent license suspension, the bill also creates a path to reinstatement for Floridians facing fines due to suspended and revoked driver licenses for non-driving related offenses, such as certain drug offenses or passing a worthless check.
The purpose of the bill is to keep driver’s licenses in the hands of individuals who need them, so they can travel to places of work and maintain means of support.
“With the Subcommittee’s support of this important legislation today,” the Tampa Republican said in a statement issued after the vote, “the Florida House has taken another step toward addressing a significant barrier to finding and maintaining a job. For many Floridians, a suspended or revoked driver license creates challenges to staying employed and providing for their families.
“The reasonable reforms proposed in this bill will provide individuals looking to get back on their feet with a realistic and achievable path forward and ensure that our laws are fairly enforced.”
