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House narrows language on juvenile driver's-license revocation and splits over Lone Peak placement
Summary
Members amended House Bill 5 to change juvenile driving-privilege penalties (minimum revocation periods and 'shall' language) and debated where newly appropriated youth beds should be sited; roll-call votes adopted amendments and the Buckmeyer amendment removing an exclusive Lone Peak designation passed 41–32.
The House spent substantial floor time on House Bill 5, a measure that includes provisions changing how driving privileges are handled for juveniles adjudicated or convicted of certain offenses, and also addresses work-camp siting and funding.
Representative Jensen sponsored a floor amendment that clarifies revocation language. The amendment sets minimum revocation periods (the transcript records a minimum of one year in many cases) and changes discretionary wording from 'may' to 'shall' in two subsections so that, where adjudication or conviction occurs, the license or driving privilege 'shall' be revoked for a minimum period (the sponsor stated the punitive period for under-16 adjudications should begin "from the age of 16"). During floor questioning, representatives raised concerns about whether the penalty would affect all occupants of a vehicle when only one person is convicted; counsel advised revocation applies to persons adjudicated or convicted, not automatically to unconvicted co-occupants.
On a separate but related point, Representative Buckmeyer proposed an amendment to strike an exclusive Lone Peak designation so the funding would instead read for a 'work camp or other facility approved by the legislature.' Supporters argued the Lone Peak label could become a 'badge of honor' and encourage gang members to seek placement there; opponents said Lone Peak was the quickest available site to secure 80 beds and necessary remodeling. The Buckmeyer amendment passed on a division/roll-call vote, 41–32.
Other floor amendments were adopted (including language changes from 'revoke' to 'deny' in one subsection). After amendment votes and additional debate, House Bill 5 was taken up for final passage later in the day and, according to the clerk's tally later in the record, passed the House with 71 affirmative and 3 negative votes. The bill was referred to the Senate for its consideration.
