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Senate advances stiffer sanctions for driving without evidence of insurance
Summary
Senators adopted committee recommendations and advanced SB 217, reinforcing sanctions for driving without evidence of insurance: class B misdemeanor language, SR‑22 notification, license surrender on conviction, and registration revocation on repeat offenses. The bill was placed on third reading and later recorded as passed.
Senate Bill 217, introduced by Senator David Steele, tightens enforcement and penalties for driving without evidence of insurance and clarifies procedures for reinstatement and SR‑22 notifications.
Steele told colleagues the bill harmonizes previous statutes and restores a class B misdemeanor classification where prior language had become inconsistent. The bill authorizes law enforcement to require proof of insurance and allows courts and the motor vehicle division to suspend or revoke driver licenses and vehicle registrations for subsequent violations. The measure also incorporates reminder/notification provisions (SR‑22) and increased penalties for falsifying evidence of insurance.
Floor questioners raised enforcement and practical concerns — including whether the bill allows law enforcement to detain or pursue out‑of‑state offenders — and sponsors said the bill creates stronger disincentives, noting SR‑22 costs and potential jail time. The Senate adopted the committee report, placed SB 217 on the third‑reading calendar and later recorded a roll call showing the bill passed (28 ayes).
