STATEHOUSE (April 10, 2017) — A bill authored by State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington) to help foster care children obtain a driver’s license will now move to the governor for final consideration.
Senate Bill 366 allows foster care children between the ages of 16 and 18 to obtain a driver’s license as well as complete a driving course with individuals approved by the Department of Children Services.
“This bill will help children who have been in and out of the foster-care system get a driver’s license,” Zay said. “Having a license will help them move into the next chapter of their lives, whether entering the workforce, joining the military or heading to college. My goal is to help jumpstart the lives of these kids as they enter adulthood, and I think this bill is a step in the right direction.”
SB 366 also requires a juvenile court to review each person to ensure he or she is ready to drive.
Zay added that this is his first bill to the pass the Indiana General Assembly and move to the governor’s desk.
The bill was co-authored by State Sens. Mike Delph (R-Carmel), David Niezgodski (D-South Bend), Jim Buck (R-Kokomo), Eddie Melton (D-Merrillville), Blake Doriot (R-Syracuse), Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn), Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago) and Erin Houchin (R-Salem), and was sponsored by State Reps. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville), Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne), Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), Steve Stemler (D-Jeffersonville) and Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago).
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Brady Hagerty, Senior Press Secretary
brady.hagerty@iga.in.gov
317-232-9425
