Trends
Editor's Note: This is a new section that takes a look at legal trends related to youth rights, or of interest to youth rights supporters. Contact your legislators!
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration web site
<http://www.nhtsa.dot. gov/> lists driving-related bills introduced around
the nation. Here are just a few of the recent ones:
Connecticut
Bill Number: SB 956 Active
Requires newly-licensed drivers to place “new driver” plates on vehicles to reduce likelihood of receiving road rage. Sen. Biagio Ciotto (D) Jan 19, 2001: Referred to Joint Transportation Comm. Thu, Feb 8, 2001.
Iowa
Bill Number: HB 168 Active
Prohibits minors with instruction permit or intermediate license from using cell phone while driving (except 911 calls). Rep. Janet Petersen (D) et al. Feb 5, 2001: Introduced. Feb 6, 2001: House Comm. on Transportation, subcommittee assignment. Fri, Feb 16, 2001.
Maine
Bill Number: HB 34 Active
Provides 10% insurance discount to drivers over 55 completing safe driving course. Rep. Arthur Mayo (R) 1/9/01 - Introduced. Fri, Feb 9, 2001.
New Jersey
Bill Number: SB 1885 Active
Driver’s license suspension until age 21 for students causing disruption in school. Sen. Anthony Bucco (R) 11/13/00 - Referred to Education Comm. Fri,
Feb 9, 2001.
Tennessee
Bill Number: HB 1231 Active
Prohibits driver under 18 from operating vehicle while using hand-held cellular or car phone. Rep. Maddox (D) Assigned to subcommittee on Transportation and Safety Planning of Transportation Comm. Feb 14, 2001.
(Companion bill introduced in Senate.)
Virginia
Bill Number: HB 2381 Active
Prohibits driver under 18 licensed for less than one year from driving between sunset and sunrise or using cellphones while vehicle in motion. Del.
Anne Rhodes (R) 1/10/01 - Referred to Transportation Comm. Fri, Feb 9, 2001.
Bill Number: HB 2811 Active
Requires minors applying for drivers license to have had at least 25 hours of driving experience, at least 5 hours at night; increases minimum age for learner’s permits. Rep. Thomas Bolvin (R) 1/19/01 - Introduced and referred to Transportation Comm. 2/2/01 - Pass from Committee. Fri, Mar, 09, 2001.
Bill Number: HB 2766 Active
Licenses of drivers under 21 to be suspended if found in possession of alcohol. Rep. James Almand (D) 1/19/01 - Referred to Comm. on Courts of Justice. 2/4/01 - Tabled. Fri, Mar 9, 2001.
Bill Number: HB 2475 Active
Allows school boards request that DMV suspend license of minor driver not meeting compulsory attendance requirements. Dep. W.B. Keister (D) 1/19/01 - Referred to Transportation Comm. 2/2/01 - Tabled. Fri, Mar 9, 2001.
Bill Number: SB 1131 Active
Increases minimum age for learner’s permit from 15 to 16; increases minimum age for driver’s license from 16 to 17. Sen. Henry Marsh III (D) 1/10/01 - Referred to Transportation Comm. Fri, Feb 9, 2001.
Bill Number: SB 1329 Active
Establishes additional restrictions (curfew, passengers, 40 hours supervised driving) for minors. Sen. William Mims (R) 1/12/01 - Referred to Transportation Comm. 1/29/01 - Engrossed by Senate. 1/30/01 - Passed Senate to the House. Fri, Feb 9, 2001.
Bill Number: HB 1575 Active
Two year license suspension for minor making bomb threat. Del. Robert Orrock (R) 1/16/01 - Engrossed by House. 1/17/01 - Passed House, sent to Senate. 1/19/01 - Referred to Senate Comm. on Courts of Justice. Fri, Feb 9, 2001.
(Companion bill introduced in Senate.)