House Bill 972 Summary

• Authorizes issuance of a hardship driver's license to persons whose licenses have been suspended for non-compliance with child support orders or due to incarceration, upon petition to chancery court.

• Requires applicants to prove hardship by clear and convincing evidence with independent documentation and a recommendation letter from the Mississippi Department of Human Services or Department of Corrections stating the person should receive a hardship license.

• Establishes a $25.00 fee for a hardship license and limits use to driving to work and religious services only; hardship licenses cannot be issued for commercial motor vehicle operation.

• Sets the term of a hardship license at four (4) years and requires the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to design the license to look substantially different from a regular driver's license.

• Effective July 1, 2020.