HB 252 -- Driving Privileges and School Enrollment

Sponsor:  Hosmer

This bill raises the age for compulsory school attendance from
16 to 18.

The bill also conditions the issuance of driving privileges upon
continued enrollment in school and progress towards graduation
for anyone under the age of 18.  Those under 18 must have
parental permission to apply for a driver's license or learner's
permit, except for emancipated minors.

An applicant under the age of 18 will need to present proof of
graduation or enrollment and progress in school in order to
receive or renew a license or permit.  The bill applies to
students in home schools and in vocational, alternative, and
special education programs, as well as in public and nonpublic
secondary schools and high school equivalence courses.  Schools
(and the parent of a home-schooled child) must report
withdrawals of students 16 and older to the Department of
Revenue, which will suspend the student's license 30 days after
notification.  The bill defines withdrawal as 10 consecutive
days or a total of 15 days of unexcused absence in a semester.
Students who transfer to another school and provide proof within
5 days will not be reported.  Emancipated minors may request a
waiver from the local school board.  The school board must
decide if it is in the emancipated minor's best interests to
have a license.  Providing false information is a class C
misdemeanor.

The bill also makes technical changes to allow driver education
instructors to accompany a learner's permit driver who is less
than 16 years old.

The bill has an effective date of January 1, 2002.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:43 am