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House adopts driver and motorcycle education amendments aimed at reducing traumatic brain injuries
Summary
Amendments requested by the Department of Public Safety were adopted to HB31 to add instruction about traumatic brain injuries to motorcycle and driver education courses and set minimum participant age for some programs at 15 years, 6 months.
The House adopted floor amendments to HB31 on Feb. 6 to strengthen driver and motorcycle education by adding curriculum about traumatic brain injury prevention and adjusting eligibility and fee provisions.
Representative Stevens explained the amendments were requested by the Department of Public Safety and include (1) a nonresident fee for use of commercial motorcycle rider programs; (2) a minimum participation age of 15 years, 6 months for certain courses; and (3) inclusion of traumatic brain-injury information in commercial and high-school driver education curricula. The sponsor said the changes address insurance and safety concerns and will not increase the state’s FTE count.
Supporters argued the amendments will better prepare young drivers and potentially reduce head-injury costs borne by Medicaid and other state programs. Questions from members focused on program length, administrative details and whether the changes would expand state-run programs; the sponsor said the amendments do not add state FTEs and are intended to be cost-neutral by targeting curriculum changes.
The House adopted the amendments and later passed the bill for referral to the Senate.
