HB 317 - Driver Accountability Act

• Creates the "Driver Accountability Act" establishing a criminal penalty payment alternative allowing courts to permit community service for persons with demonstrable financial hardship to satisfy civil or criminal penalties, with credit calculated at federal minimum wage or applicable prevailing wage rates.

• Revises driving with suspended/revoked license penalties, creating tiered offense levels (misdemeanor second degree for first offense, first degree for second offense, felony third degree for third or subsequent offense) for persons without prior forcible felony convictions whose licenses were suspended for failing to pay child support, financial obligations, civil penalties, or vehicular financial responsibility.

• Amends section 322.245 to require the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to suspend driver licenses only after a court finding that a person has the ability to pay financial obligations for criminal offenses, and permits reinstatement upon proof of full payment, payment plan compliance, or court order granting relief.

• Updates criminal punishment code references to reflect renumbered sections 322.34(9) and 322.34(6) related to careless operation of motor vehicles with suspended licenses resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

• Effective July 1, 2014.