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2007 House Bill 32 (Tie driver's licensing to high school performance)

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  • Introduced by Rep. Brad Montell on January 2, 2007, to require local school districts to revoke a student's operator's license or permit without offering the student alternative education programs. This bill modifies an old law that was ruled unconstitutional. The bill would mandate revocation of an operator's license for sixteen and seventeen year-old students who drop out of school or fail to meet certain standards of academic achievement. This bill also would allow for appeals of revocations in district court.
    • Referred to the House Education Committee on January 3, 2007.
    • Reported in the House on February 13, 2007, favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar.
  • Passed in the House (96 to 0) on March 2, 2007. [Vote Details and Comments]
  • Received in the Senate on March 2, 2007.
    • Reported in the Senate on March 2, 2007, favorably, 1st reading, to Consent Calendar.
    • Referred to the Senate Transportation Committee on March 5, 2007.
  • Passed in the Senate (38 to 0) on March 9, 2007, to require local school districts to revoke a student's operator's license or permit without offering the student alternative education programs. This bill modifies an old law that was ruled unconstitutional. The bill would mandate revocation of an operator's license for sixteen and seventeen year-old students who drop out of school or fail to meet certain standards of academic achievement. This bill also would allow for appeals of revocations in district court. [Vote Details and Comments]
  • Received in the House on March 9, 2007.
  • Signed by Gov. Ernie Fletcher on March 21, 2007, to require local school districts to revoke a student's operator's license or permit without offering the student alternative education programs. This bill modifies an old law that was ruled unconstitutional. The bill would mandate revocation of an operator's license for sixteen and seventeen year-old students who drop out of school or fail to meet certain standards of academic achievement. This bill also would allow for appeals of revocations in district court.

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Comments

Introduced by Rep. Brad Montell on January 2, 2007. Passed in the House (96 to 0) on March 2, 2007. New Comment

1) Confused [by Anonymous Citizen on February 27, 2007]
Kentucky compulsory education laws only require students to attend school until age 16 (the same age they can get a license).

In other words, 16 and 17 year olds (the only people this Bill would affect) aren't even required to attend school in the first place. How can you "drop out" of a system you can't be forced to participate in?
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2) you can... [by newmark on February 27, 2007]
People do drop out of college. That's non-compulsory as well.

The point here is to encourage kids to stay in school. That's not so bad.

I would propose a couple of amendments.

(1) Can have special exceptions to be determined as worthy by a judge, and maybe a process to be refined later.

(2) Deal with early graduation. If someone graduates before they are 18 they shouldn't be penalized.


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3) Ridiculous [by benamis on February 26, 2007]
I'm an 18-year-old senior, and I think this is one of the most stupid pieces of legislation I've heard of out of the General Assembly in awhile.

You're just going to have kids who don't care about school goofing off and distracting the kids that want to learn. They could just have a kid and use the exemption for neccessary family use, that'll teach kids to be responsible. Not only would they be out of school without a degree, they'd have a kid to care for.

Kids will always find ways to rebel and get around the law. How about instead of making school like jail we find a way to make school an enjoyable experience that kids will want to have, instead of be forced to endure.

Ben Amis
www.freewebs.com/freedomcosts
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4) dash [by Anonymous Citizen on February 14, 2007]
Will this legislation enhance number of teens staying in school? Is there a study to show this is worth the time it takes to debate such legislation?
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5) I'm actually in favor of this sort of legislation [by newmark on February 14, 2007]
I graduated from High School at age 16. I didn't like the fact that I was without the privileges of 18 year olds, but had the responsibilities of the 18 year olds. (How embarrassing is it to ask your college friends to buy cigarettes for you?)

Personally, I had at one time come up with an idea where you can start to drive when you are at least age 15, or and you have started your junior year in high school. If you fail or drop out, you lost your non-school-hour driving privileges. At age 18, you would be allowed to get your license regardless. There would, of course, be a process to get an exemption from a judge for special cases.

The difference between that system and what is in place today is not that significant. However, since the state has been given the right to control who uses public roads, and how, they have the right to tie it to anything (as long as it's not blatantly discriminatory based on race, sex, or creed).

I believe that the real problem becomes enforcement.
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6) What? [by Anonymous Citizen on September 22, 2006]
Since when does the school system take precedence over a student's parents in out-of-school activities?

Nazis.
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