Foster Children Driving Licenses

Driver's licenses - foster children - automobile insurance - appropriation. Section 1 of the act clarifies that a minor who is at least 16 years of age can purchase auto insurance.

Section 2 exempts a foster child from being required, when being issued a driver's license, to have his or her foster parent or other legal guardian sign an affidavit of liability if the child holds evidence of financial responsibility in his or her own name. Section 2 also:

• Authorizes counties to provide a service that exempts foster children from needing a foster parent or other legal guardian to sign an affidavit of liability. The county may accept and expend gifts, grants, or donations to implement this program.
• Lowers to 17 the age at which the county need not obtain permission of a foster parent to obtain an instruction permit without a responsible adult signing an affidavit of liability; and
• Repeals a provision that authorizes a foster child to obtain an instruction permit if enrolled in a driving school.

Section 3 allows any person who is at least 21 years of age and who holds a driver's license to sign a foster child's driving logs if the person provided the instruction.

Section 4 authorizes anyone who is at least 21 years of age and who holds a driver's license to instruct a foster child with a driving permit notwithstanding that the person did not sign the affidavit of liability.

Section 5 directs the transportation legislation review committee to examine barriers to foster children meeting the 50-hour driving requirement while holding an instruction permit and to foster children obtaining automobile liability insurance.

Section 6 appropriates $6,750 to the department of revenue to implement the act.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)