On January 6, 2016, Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) announced that he filed a bill to dramatically reform the driver license suspension and the revocation process in Florida.
Heavy Burden Placed on Drivers For Non-Driving Related Offenses
Senator Brandes created the bill, SPB 7046, due to the heavy burden placed on drivers for suspensions and sanctions related to non-driving related activity. “This legislation will help thousands of Floridians who are caught in a relentless cycle of debt within the legal system. This bill will reduce a major burden on our courts from license suspensions, and it will give many Floridians a means to get back to work,” said Sen. Brandes.
The proposed bill is a result of hearings held by Senator Brandes and the Transportation Committee, which heard testimony by the State Division of Highway Safety, Motor Vehicles, elected Public Defenders, and various Clerks of Court. This proposal is designed to suggest alternative routes for sanctions and reduce the more than 1.2 million driver license suspensions annually.
Right to Perform Community Service If Unable to Pay Fines
If the bill passes, individuals will be issued a hardship license instead of having their license suspended for non-driving related issues. The reform package also establishes the right of a defendant in financial hardship to enter into community service as an alternative method of payment. Finally, the bill eliminates the felony criminal charge resulting from a defendant’s inability to pay a fine or fee on a charge for a third (or more) charge of driving while license is suspended or revoked.
Saunders and Walker, P.A. supports reform of unfair laws that inflict unfair burden on the most vulnerable and underprivileged. Our law firm handles auto accidents, as well as many areas of personal injury law. If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, or have any questions about any other area of law involving personal injury, please call Saunders and Walker, P.A., toll-free at (800) 748-7115 and speak to one of our highly knowledgeable legal staff.