Driver's education courses could soon be more affordable
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Driver's education classes could become more affordable, and dangerous drivers with multiple offenses would lose their car under a pair of bipartisan bills aiming to crack down on reckless driving.
A state-funded driver's education program would be offered to low-income families under a bill that received a public hearing Tuesday. The proposal passed the Assembly last week and Gov. Tony Evers has signaled his support.
In 2004, the state stopped reimbursing school districts for driver's education, which has deterred some teens from learning the rules of the road due to costs, according to the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance.
After becoming eligible for a driver's license, Jamorris Torres-Currin and Kahlil Steward of Milwaukee both realized how learning to drive is an expense not everyone can afford.
"I've been trying to get into driver's education since 2021 and the major problem with that was cost," said Torres-Currin, who testified to lawmakers on the Senate Transportation Committee.
The bill would provide grants up to $400 to offset the costs of driver's education classes. Milwaukee Rep. Bob Donovan, who authored the bill, said up to $15,000 low-income students could benefit.
"I feel if you chose to go on the road without a license, it should be on your own accord, not because you didn't have the resources to not do it," said Steward.
Donovan, who's authored a series of reckless driving bills, believes his proposal is a step towards safer roadways.
"This is a real challenge, and when you drive down some of the streets of Milwaukee, you are putting your life in your own hands," Donovan said. "We're hopeful (this bill) can get thousands of kids into driver's ed that normally not might be able to take advantage of it."
Wisconsin already set aside $6 million in the state budget to pay for the program, and it would continue to be funded through fees insurance providers collect. This idea for the bill was spearheaded by Common Ground, a southeastern Wisconsin nonpartisan group that works on community-based initiatives.
Some schools still provide drivers education courses, but many families have to pay for private courses that can range between $350 to $600.
It also led Milwaukee Public Schools to create the "MPS Drive" program designed to help students receive their temporary permits. Students that have no outstanding tickets can register for $35.
Reckless Driving Bills
Dangerous drivers who have repeat offenses could see their vehicles taken away under legislation passed Tuesday by a Senate committee.
Sen. André Jacque (R-De Pere) said current penalties have not proven to be effective in deterring individuals who repeatedly drive recklessly, and that is why he authored a bill that would remove someone's vehicle under certain circumstances.
Cars would be impounded for up to 90 days if someone drives with a suspended or revoked license, speeds 25 miles over the limit, flees law enforcement or is cited for racing on the highway, under the bill.
It passed the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee in a 6-1 vote.
“The seriousness of this most dangerous behavior demands our officers have the authority to impound a vehicle of those with no consideration for the potentially deadly consequences of their irresponsible actions,” Jacque said.
Another bill geared towards tackling reckless driving would enhance the maximum sentence for a number of charges related to fleeing police. The proposal has yet to receive a public hearing.
Earlier this year, Evers signed two bills into law aimed at curbing reckless driving. One would stiffen penalties, and another increases the maximum sentence for causing great bodily harm from three-and-a-half to six years in prison.