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House passes bill expanding tools to address unlicensed drivers, prompting debate over equity and access
Summary
Second substitute HB 136 passed the House after extended debate; the bill keeps driving without a license an infraction but expands rapid fingerprint scans, clarifies impound rules, raises certain impound fees and sets minimum penalties — measures supporters call a public-safety fix and opponents call punitive toward marginalized communities.
Representative Matt McPherson framed second substitute HB 136 as a public‑safety measure intended to reduce crashes and hit‑and‑run incidents tied to unlicensed drivers. The House passed the substitute on Feb. 9; the bill will be transmitted to the Senate.
McPherson said the bill preserves driving without a valid credential as an infraction while giving law enforcement additional tools, such as rapid fingerprint‑scanning to identify wanted persons and expanded impound authority for vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers. “This isn't just about the inconveniences … there are also some valid and real…
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