HB23-1147 Summary

• Requires all individuals under 21 years old to complete either a 30-hour driver education course or a 4-hour prequalification driver awareness program before obtaining a driver's license, effective July 1, 2025.

• Establishes a Driver Education Voucher Program Enterprise as a government-owned business to provide vouchers to eligible individuals (those with household income at or below 300% of federal poverty guideline) to help pay for required driver education courses, starting July 1, 2025.

• Imposes a $2 enterprise fee on each issuance or renewal of driver's licenses, minor driver's licenses, and instruction permits beginning January 1, 2025, with fees credited to the voucher program fund.

• Requires commercial driving instructors who teach minors or at-risk adults to undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks, effective July 1, 2025.

• Eliminates examination fees for driving test retakes administered by the Department of Revenue, effective July 1, 2025; provides translation services for driving examinations for non-English speakers.