House approves measure letting courts and parents seek license suspension for truant students

House Bill 93 passed the Utah House on a 42-27 vote after floor debate over how the measure would be applied and enforced.

Representative Bourgeault, in a summation supporting the bill, said the measure ‘‘will hold our kids accountable’’ and give educators ‘‘another tool’’ to encourage attendance. The bill, as discussed on the floor, includes an amendment requiring parental agreement in the process for withholding a license.

Representative Dougall opened questioning about whether a parent could simply withhold a state license without court involvement, asking, "First of all, if I'm a parent and I have a truant child, could I not withhold your license, and why do I need the court to do it?" Sponsors and supporters clarified that parents cannot directly instruct the DMV to withhold a state driver's license; the bill's process contemplates parental agreement but relies on formal administrative or judicial steps.

Opponents and some members warned of unintended consequences. Representative Duda asked whether teens might respond by driving without a license if their privilege is withheld; members noted enforcement would rely on existing penalties for unlicensed driving and on action after detection rather than prevention.

Supporters framed the policy as an incentive: Representative Steiler argued that suspending or postponing a sought'after privilege such as a driver's license would motivate 12' and 13'year'olds to attend school, calling the measure "a tool" for judges and educators.

After the previous question was moved and approved to cut off debate, the House closed voting and referred HB 93 to the Senate.

Outcome: Passed in the House, 42 yes, 27 no; referred to the Senate.