OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, has introduced three bills aimed at breaking down barriers to driver’s license restoration for individuals reentering society after incarceration. The proposed legislation seeks to address a critical hurdle for former inmates striving to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.
“When someone is released from prison, they are expected to secure a job and be a productive member of society,” Bergstrom said. “There are many roadblocks to that happening. One is not being able to get a driver’s license so they can drive to and from a job or even a child’s school function. These bills are aimed at fixing this problem.”
The Bills:
- Senate Bill 216: Would allow individuals whose licenses expired while in the custody of the Department of Corrections to apply for a six-month provisional license without requiring immediate payment of outstanding fines and fees. After six months, holders would make monthly payments of at least $25 toward their balances.
- Senate Bill 218: Offers an alternative pathway by allowing license restoration without the six-month suspension of payments, accommodating individuals with differing financial circumstances.
- Senate Bill 220: Addresses licenses that expired during a suspension or revocation period. It provides a 90-day grace period during which the expired license would be considered valid. During this time, Service Oklahoma would notify individuals about the grace period and instructions for obtaining a new license. Additionally, the Department of Corrections would supply inmates with documentation necessary to secure a provisional license upon release.
Bergstrom highlighted the real-world implications of these challenges. “I have heard from employers about hardworking employees who have been unable to get a license for years,” he said. “This must be fixed.”
The proposed legislation is scheduled for consideration during the legislative session beginning February 3, 2025.
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