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House delays graduated‑driver passenger restriction after heated debate over rural impact and safety
Summary
Debate over Senate Bill 93, which would limit newly licensed 16‑year‑old drivers’ passengers for six months, split rural and urban representatives. Supporters said the restriction saves lives; opponents said it unduly burdens rural families and businesses. Members voted to 'circle' the bill for amendment work.
Supporters and opponents of Senate Bill 93 squared off on the House floor over how to balance teen driver safety with rural mobility needs.
Representative Bush, the sponsor, framed the bill as a targeted safety measure intended to reduce crashes among new drivers by restricting non‑family passengers for the first six months after licensure, though teens could still drive with immediate family or a licensed adult present. “This bill states that for another 6 months after they're 16, they're not to have… any member of their immediate family with them,” the sponsor said while describing allowable exceptions and emergency judgment calls.
Rural members pushed back. Representative Garn described practical daily needs in farming communities, saying the restriction would prevent family members from driving to work, hauling livestock and running small businesses: “We have horses and trailers and wagons and haul cattle… Are you going to impede anyone from operating a normal business?” he asked.
Others urged compromise. Representative Guillory cited crash data and the recent loss of young lives, urging a shorter restriction as a potential middle ground. An amendment to shorten the period from six months to three months was proposed on the floor, with members debating enforceability and the practicalities of policing a time‑limited restriction.
After extended debate about exemptions, enforcement and rural exceptions, the House voted on a procedural motion to circle the bill — delaying action so members can draft targeted amendments. The motion to circle passed, meaning SB93 will be returned to committee or a working group for changes before the House considers it again.
The next formal step is for sponsors and interested members to craft amendments addressing rural exemptions and enforcement mechanisms before the bill returns to the floor.
