Foster Children Driving Licenses

Driver's licenses - foster children - automobile insurance - appropriation. Section 1 of the act clarifies that a minor who is at least 16 years of age can purchase auto insurance. Section 2 exempts a foster child from being required, when being issued a driver's license, to have his or her foster parent or other legal guardian sign an affidavit of liability if the child holds evidence of financial responsibility in his or her own name. Section 2 also: Authorizes counties to provide a service that exempts foster children from needing a foster parent or other legal guardian to sign an affidavit of liability. The county may accept and expend gifts, grants, or donations to implement this program. Lowers to 17 the age at which the county need not obtain permission of a foster parent to obtain an instruction permit without a responsible adult signing an affidavit of liability; and Repeals a provision that authorizes a foster child to obtain an instruction permit if enrolled in a driving school. Section 3 allows any person who is at least 21 years of age and who holds a driver's license to sign a foster child's driving logs if the person provided the instruction. Section 4 authorizes anyone who is at least 21 years of age and who holds a driver's license to instruct a foster child with a driving permit notwithstanding that the person did not sign the affidavit of liability. Section 5 directs the transportation legislation review committee to examine barriers to foster children meeting the 50-hour driving requirement while holding an instruction permit and to foster children obtaining automobile liability insurance. Section 6 appropriates $6,750 to the department of revenue to implement the act. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.) Read More