Hoskins: Bill Would Grant Grace Period For Returning Military Personnel To Renew Drivers License

The Capitol continues to be busy. I’m delighted to report several things as we continue to make progress in advancing legislation headed to the Senate.

­Legislation

I presented HB 204 to my fellow members of the House Veterans Committee this week. HB 204 would allow any person discharged from the military to renew a driver’s license without examination six months from the date of discharge or within 90 days of reestablishing residency in Missouri. The bill also expands that privilege to the spouse or a dependent, age 21 or older.

Last fall I received a call from a constituent who had returned from active duty in Afghanistan with an expired driver’s license. He wants to remain a Missouri resident even while his duty station has temporarily changed to Fort Riley, Kansas. As it is now, active duty personnel can renew a driver’s license by mail but that may not be terribly convenient. In addition to the members of the military stationed outside Missouri, their spouses and families can also be impacted. Serving in the military affects the entire family. I believe we need to do what we can to simplify life, even in this small way, to recognize the sacrifices our military families make for us.

HB 204 was unanimously approved by the House Veterans Committee by a vote of 13-0 and received consent status. The next step will be for the bill to go to the full House for consideration.

My duties have expanded a bit. Speaker of the House Steve Tilley has appointed me to serve on the Special Standing Committee on Renewable Energy. Show Me Energy at Centerview has provided me with a good education on how to convert switchgrass and other renewable sources into energy. I also learned about wind turbines and solar energy from Ronald Barrett from Holden. He and his wife have established a new business, Emerald Wind Energy International, at Holden. Why look to oil and coal for our energy supplies when there are available alternatives right here? This committee will look to incorporating renewable alternatives into all phases of our lives.

In Other News

To share some scholarship news, I learned of an opportunity for students to win one of four $1000 college scholarships during FAFSA Frenzy at special events in February and March. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA is the first step all students must take to obtain financial assistance to attend college. State and federal governments and all colleges and universities consider the FAFSA when awarding need-based student financial aid. FAFSA Frenzy events help students and their parents complete the form and submit accurate financial information to determine student eligibility for need-based student aid.
Besides access to professional assistance in completing the FAFSA, there will also be information regarding federal student aid programs and Missouri state aid programs at these Frenzy events. Check the web site at www.dhe.mo.gov for more information or to find a location near you.

I welcome Leslee Moon, a student at the University of Missouri, as an intern for the semester in my office. Leslee is a senior majoring in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Originally from Oregon, Leslee served in the US Army as an MP. Currently a member of the Reserves, she is a career counselor. Her last active duty assignment was at Fort Leonard Wood, which is how she found her way to MU. While in my office, Leslee will be helping with committee work and hosting groups visiting the Capitol.

Please share this report with anyone you feel would be interested in this information. It is genuinely a privilege to serve as your state representative. In the meantime, keep warm and be safe during this true January weather.