AR HB1548

Amends Arkansas Code § 27-16-704(c)(1) to remove the mandatory 30-day waiting period for original driver's license applicants to hold an instruction permit before taking the driving examination, allowing the Office of Driver Services to determine waiting periods instead.

Declares an emergency based on agriculture comprising approximately one-third of the state's gross domestic product and current labor shortages in transportation and agriculture industries.

Cites the upcoming agricultural planting season and the need for migrant workers to obtain driver's licenses quickly to provide labor services in the state.

States that current waiting period requirements serve no specific purpose and are arbitrary time periods.

Effective date upon Governor approval, expiration of veto period without action, or veto override by both houses; approved by Governor on 4/11/23.