House Bill 1207 Summary

• Authorizes chancery courts to issue hardship driver's licenses to persons whose licenses were suspended for non-compliance with child support or spousal support orders if suspension would hinder employment.

• Requires applicants to prove hardship by clear and convincing evidence with independent documentation and a recommendation letter from the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

• Establishes a $25.00 fee for hardship licenses, which are valid for four years and visibly distinct from regular licenses, and restricts use to driving to work and religious services only.

• Prohibits hardship licenses for commercial motor vehicle operation and requires applicants to obtain court approval before applying for the license at a driver's licensing location.

• Takes effect July 1, 2021, and amends Mississippi Code sections 63-1-43, 63-1-47, 63-1-5, and 93-11-157 to incorporate hardship license provisions into existing driver's license statutes.