Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Driver License Reform topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves repeal removing requirement that officers seize drivers' licenses in some cases
Summary
House Bill 23 removes statutory requirements that officers physically take a driver's license in certain DUI, suspended-license and similar stops; committee approved the change unanimously after testimony from law enforcement and driver-services staff.
The Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee approved House Bill 23 on Jan. 23, a bill that removes a statutory requirement to surrender a driver's license to law enforcement in specified circumstances and updates related statutory references.
Misty Zimmerman of Driver Services explained the department''s modernization project and said the statute requiring officers to take and return cards creates unnecessary administrative work. "The privilege is maintained in the system and the technology itself is able to tell that," Zimmerman said, describing the department''s card catalog process for handling surrendered credentials.
State and local law-enforcement representatives testified in support. Alan Thompson, executive director of WASCOP (chiefs and sheriffs association), said the organization "by and large supports this measure" and that removing the requirement would not negatively affect DUI processing.
Committee members adopted a technical amendment to remove the word "license" from the statute title (return of license and registration to the division) and then voted 9-0 to advance the bill. Representative Nicholas moved the bill; Representative Garinger seconded.
The bill also removes references to temporary licenses in related statutes and directs the department to promulgate rules to effect the change.
