House passes Bizzarro’s bill to provide free driver’s licenses to homeless youth

House Bill 127 now heads to Senate for consideration

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro July 2, 2024 | 5:55 PM

HARRISBURG, July 2 – The House passed a bill Tuesday afternoon that would help youth experiencing homelessness to obtain a driver’s license, announced state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie), the bill’s prime sponsor.

House Bill 127 passed the House with bipartisan support. Bizzarro’s legislation would waive the fees associated with acquiring a driver’s license for vulnerable youth who don’t have a secure residence. With a license, these youth will be able to enroll or transfer schools, access social services like food and housing assistance, and attend medical visits.

“We’re removing financial barriers to attaining a license for homeless youth so we can make it easier for them to access vital state services and programs. This is thoughtful legislation that will positively impact some of our most vulnerable residents,” Bizzarro said. “I’m thankful to my colleagues in the House for their support, and I hope the Senate acts quickly so we can clear this hurdle for the more than 40,000 homeless youth recently identified by the state.”

Under this legislation, license fees will be waived for youth identified as homeless by a state agency, but the child must be enrolled in an education program to receive the waived fee. Youth acquiring a license would be able to use a shelter or school address as a temporary address.

House Bill 127 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

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Legislation to Help Homeless Youth Obtain Driver's Licenses Advances in House