House Passes Bill To Help Teens In Foster Care Obtain Licenses

STATEHOUSE (March 20, 2017) — The Indiana House of Representatives last week passed a bill sponsored by State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) that would make it easier for a teenager under the care of the Department of Child Services to obtain a driver’s license.

“The state of Indiana is the guardian of about 55 youth between the ages of 16 and 18 who are currently unable to receive their driver’s licenses without facing a great number of hurdles,” Sullivan said. “Making the process easier for these teenagers to receive their driver’s licenses will help them to be engaged and connect with their community, participate in school and extracurricular activities and seek out job opportunities.”

According to Sullivan, teens in foster care find it difficult to obtain a driver’s license because they often do not know an adult who is able to sign the BMV application forms and provide liability insurance. They also do not have the means to pay for the process. This bill would enable foster children to apply for and receive learner’s permits and driver’s licenses free of charge, obtain liability insurance coverage, and complete driving practice with individuals approved by DCS.

The legislation would require a juvenile court to review each teen to ensure that he or she is ready to drive before they can obtain their license. According to Sullivan, similar programs have been successful in other states such as Florida and Louisiana.

“A driver’s license is an important tool to enable these strong and resilient youth to enjoy and benefit from normal, teenage experiences and to be better prepared to become educated, capable, self-sufficient adults,” said Sharon Pierce, president and CEO of the Villages of Indiana, the state’s largest not-for-profit child and family services agency. “The Villages of Indiana, and the youth we are so privileged to serve, are grateful to each and every legislator supporting this vital bill.”

After being amended, Senate Bill 366 will be returned to the Senate. If approved, the bill could be signed by the governor. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.