HB 38 -- School Enrollment and Driving Privileges

Sponsor:  Hosmer

This bill raises the age for compulsory school attendance from
16 to 18.

This bill also conditions the issuance of driving privileges
upon continued enrollment in school and progress towards
graduation for anyone under the age of 18.  Parental permission
for a person under the age of 18 to apply for a driver's license
or learner's permit is required, except for emancipated minors.

Beginning August 28, 1998, a driver's license or learner's
permit applicant under the age of 18 will need to present proof
of graduation or enrollment and progress in school in order to
receive or renew a license or permit.  The bill applies to
students in home schools, and in vocational, alternative, and
special education programs, as well as in public and nonpublic
secondary schools and high school equivalence courses.  Schools
(and the parent of a home-schooled child) must report
withdrawals of students 16 and older to the Department of
Revenue, which will suspend the license of the withdrawing
student 30 days after notification. The bill defines withdrawal
as 10 consecutive days or a total of 15 days of unexcused
absence in a semester.  Students who withdraw in order to
transfer to another school and who provide proof of transfer
within 5 days will not be reported.  Emancipated minors may
request a waiver from the local school board; the school board
must decide if it is in the emancipated minor's best interests
to have a license.

The bill also makes some technical changes to allow driver's
education instructors to accompany a learner's permit driver who
is less than 16 years old.