Oklahoma Representative Tammy West led an interim study with Senator Todd Gollihare examining how driver’s license suspensions for unpaid fees and missed court appearances affect workers, families and businesses.
West said the goal is to remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining fair consequences.
“We want processes to work well for people who want to do the right thing and are striving to do the right thing,” West said. “We do not want unnecessary barriers, and for those who are not striving to do the right thing, we want the consequences to be fair and administered properly.”
The discussion focused on suspensions unrelated to dangerous driving offenses such as DUI. Speakers said losing the ability to drive legally can make it harder to keep a job, support a family and pay outstanding debts.
“A suspended license disrupts their ability to work and support their families, and these policies can unintentionally push more people toward public assistance programs,” Gollihare said.
Lauren Krisai, executive director of Justice Action Network, said the consequences also reach employers when workers cannot get to their jobs. She cited an Ohio law eliminating suspensions for unpaid traffic tickets that helped more than 7,000 people regain their legal driving status.
Sarah Couture, regional director for the Fines and Fees Justice Center, said Oklahoma suspensions for failure to pay last an average of three years and two months. She estimated comprehensive reform could produce more than $42 million in net tax revenue benefits.
West closed the study by calling for changes to help workers and businesses.
“This is something that we can address, and it will help the people of the state of Oklahoma,” West said. “It will help the businesses of the state of Oklahoma, and it will help change families in this state.”
