Requires holders of junior learner's permits and licenses to remain enrolled in school or graduate therefrom

BILL NUMBER:S3842A

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the education law, in relation to requiring holders of class DJ or class MJ learner's permits and licenses to be enrolled in a secondary educational program or to have successfully completed such a program

Purpose

To require holders of junior learner's permits and licenses to remain enrolled in school or graduate therefrom.

Summary of provisions

Section One: Section 501-b of the Vehicle and Traffic Law is amended by adding a new subdivision 3 to establish requirements relating to educational participation or completion for those individuals who wish to apply for and maintain a DJ or MJ learner's permit, or a DJ or MJ license. Also establishes certain criminal offenses which would preclude the issuance of or require the suspension of a DJ or MJ learner's permit, or a DJ or MJ license.

Section Two: Section 305 of the Education Law is amended by adding a new subdivision 43 to set forth that the Commissioner of Education shall cooperate with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to promulgate rules, regulations and procedures for the implementation of this initiative.

Section Three: Sets forth the effective date.

Justification

Recently, there has been a troubling increase in teen truancy and the dropout rate across the country. In Onondaga County, particularly in the Syracuse City School District, the problem has gained national attention. The community is looking to the State for solutions to address this growing problem. School attendance is critically important to ensuring that our young people have the best possible opportunities for success. This legislation seeks to address this issue by providing a powerful incentive for teens to stay in school. It would require those seeking junior learner's permits and licenses to maintain school attendance, obtain their GED or graduate. The bill would also suspend the permit or license of any person under the age of eighteen if they fail to meet these requirements, or has been found to have committed certain criminal offenses. Many states across the country have already enacted similar legislation.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law, provided that effective immediately any rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be completed on or before such date.