Kelley: Driver's Tests In English, Prosecutor Visits

House committees were busy this week as hearings were held on several substantive bills dealing with a variety of issues. Several were voted on and will be considered by the full House.

The House Transportation Committee held a hearing on a bill [HB167] which would require driver’s license tests to be administered in English. To be honest, I did not realize until after I was elected that a test could be given in other languages. It would seem to make sense if highway signs are written in English, that any driver on our roads be at least proficient enough in the language so as not to pose a threat to other drivers.

Two amendments were offered to the bill and both were rejected. One would have allowed the test to be given to any legal resident in their native language. The other would have allowed the test to be given in a language other than English, but the driver would have to be retested in English within three years. The bill does allow for the test to be administered in either written form or orally.

Another committee heard testimony on a proposal [HJR14] to require a photo ID to be shown in order to vote. This issue goes back several years. The General Assembly passed a similar law in 2006, but it was later found to be unconstitutional. We are attempting to fix that this session by passing not only a law in statute, but also put a constitutional amendment before the voters. The law would then take effect upon approval of the constitutional amendment.

Also contained in the bill is a section allowing for early voting in Missouri. Currently, a person may vote absentee ahead of Election Day, but to do so they must declare a reason why this is necessary. Supporters of early voting say this makes people perjure themselves if they actually will not be out of town.

This week Barton County Prosecutor, Steven Kaderly, traveled to Jefferson City in order to testify on two bills that I filed, one which would make it a crime to give false identifying information to a law enforcement officer the other is on DWI penalty clarification. I was quite surprised to learn it is not illegal to tell an officer you are someone else during the course of a traffic stop or similar situation. I was also surprised to learn this is not an uncommon occurrence. I appreciate him bringing this to my attention and providing testimony during the hearing. His daughter Josie was also able to attend and witness the legislative process in action picture [at left] is a photo of Josie after receiving her Missouri House of Representatives Paige of the day certificate.

Until our next update, I am, and remain, in your service.