HB556 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve McMillan

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Motor vehicles, driver's license for person under age 19, proof of enrollment in school or employment required, employment required to be for a minimum of 30 hours a week, Public Safety Department to provide form to local superintendents of education for requirements of obtaining license and notification of withdrawal from school, Sec. 16-28-40 am'd.

Summary

HB556 tightens under-19 driver’s license eligibility by requiring a 30-hour-a-week job if not in school and by giving schools and the Department of Public Safety new duties to inform applicants and suspend licenses when needed.

What This Bill Does

If someone under 19 applies for a license, they must show graduation or enrollment or meet one of several qualifying conditions, including being employed at least 30 hours per week. The bill adds that if not in school, employment must be at least 30 hours weekly, and it lists other ways to qualify (GED, job training, being a parent, etc.). DPS must annually send a summary of requirements and a withdrawal notification form to local school superintendents, who distribute it to high schools. If a student withdraws from school, DPS must suspend the license 30 days after notice unless documentation shows compliance. The bill also includes penalties and procedures related to possession of a pistol on school property and the related license suspension or denial.

Who It Affects

• Under-19 driver’s license or learner’s permit applicants must meet one of the listed criteria (graduation, enrollment, GED, job training, 30 hours/week employment, parent status, sole transportation, or qualifying exemption).
• Local school districts and high school students, because DPS must provide annual summaries and withdrawal notification forms to the schools, and withdrawal can trigger license suspension.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 16-28-40 to condition driving privileges on school attendance or qualifying employment (30 hours/week) and enumerates acceptable statuses.
• Requires attendance officers to furnish enrollment status and disciplinary points on a DPS-approved form and notify DPS when a student withdraws (for 16+).
• Annual DPS provision of a summary of requirements and a withdrawal notification form to local superintendents, who give copies to high schools.
• If withdrawal occurs, DPS must notify the licensee of a 30-day suspension unless compliance documents are provided.
• Adds penalties related to possession of a pistol on school premises, including denial or suspension of licenses for specified periods and related appeal rights.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles