In an extension of the 'smart justice' reforms cascading through America's criminal justice system, legislation has been filed to repeal a Florida law requiring driver licenses to be suspended because of unpaid court fees like traffic tickets and child support payments.
The bill, HB 207, could significantly reduce the ranks of Floridians with suspended licenses. Of the roughly two million licenses in suspension status, 77 percent stem from unpaid court fees.
Advocates for the change say the current law disproportionately impacts low-income Floridans unable to pay traffic tickets. When their licenses are suspended, many struggle getting to and from work. Some are unable to continue working in jobs that require driving.
"I think it's time to talk about those issues and take a look at it and say, 'can't we do something better, can't we do something smarter?' and let's get the outcomes that we really want without it hurting a family or hurting somebody untoward that we don't expect," said Florida Smart Justice Alliance President Barney Bishop.