Ohio state Senator Tom Patton (R), District 7 said he is in favor of HB 260, which would grant limited driving privileges to work, to those with suspended drivers licenses due to non-driving violations.
The measure has been introduced by state Rep. Jim Butler, a Republican, and state Rep. Emilia Sykes, a Democrat, and would also allow limited driving to some suspended driver to doctor's appointments or to school.
Patton said the measure makes sense because it's tough to pay the big license reinstatement fees, when you can't hold a job, because you can't drive to work.
"There are people who should have the license suspended, don't get me wrong," said Patton.
"Some suspended drivers are a safety hazard, but if the suspension is for a non-driving violation, people should be given a chance at limited privileges."
"I think what we need to do is clear the path, so that people can at least have their license to go to work."
Patton pointed to Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle statistics that indicated more than a million Ohio drivers faced suspension last year alone.
Patton said he's also in favor of a second measure that would allow judges to issue community services instead of big license reinstatement fees.
"We should really look at some community service options for those folks to have," said Patton.
