The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a bill 14-0 on Monday that would require a person 18 years of age or older to complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course to obtain a Florida driver's license and pass a driver's education safety course for a learner's permit.
Sen. Jay Collins (R-Tampa) filed the bill (SB 994) in the Senate. Sen. Collins spoke on his bill to the committee.
"The bill aims to improve the educational requirements for obtaining both a standard driver's license and a learner's driver's license in Florida by enhancing the focus on comprehensive driver education," Collins said.
"Simply put, section one changes the traffic law and substance abuse education program. The key changes - applications for a DL (Driver's License) who are 18 years of age or older must complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course unless they have previously been licensed or have successfully completed a Department of Education driver's ed course."
Collins added a person would obtain a learner's permit upon successful completion of a driver's education classroom safety course approved by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
While more heavy, the Florida Legislature has attempted other driver's license requirements in the past. They include an ID to show citizenship status and display sex instead of gender.
Both of those bills died in committee previously. This one could be less controversial.
Collins' bill passed without discussion or debate from the committee.
SB 994 has one more committee stop. Rep. Michelle Salzman (R-Escambia County) filed a similar bill (HB 889) in the House.
If fully passed, SB 994/HB 889 would take effect on July 1.
