Committee hears broad support for driver-education bill after testimony from crash survivor and safety groups

Representative Mike Jones presented House Bill 32 20 to require driver education before issuing licenses to certain new applicants and to tighten rules on plea reductions that currently allow point avoidance for some young drivers. Jones said the bill is intended to increase accountability and ensure young drivers receive training and supervision before being fully licensed.

Multiple witnesses supported the bill. Dorinda Padgett, who testified about losing her husband in a crash tied to a young driver, asked lawmakers to require driver education and behind‑the‑wheel instruction. "Please require it before their licenses are granted," Padgett said, describing a pattern of repeat violations and a lack of driver education for many teens.

Advocacy and safety groups — including AAA, the Driver Education Coalition and organizations representing vulnerable road users — said lack of statewide training correlates with higher teen crash rates. AAA told the committee Missouri teen drivers are on average 80% more likely to be involved in a crash than teens in states that require driver education. MoDOT's highway safety engineer said driver-education programs can help, but estimated the department's administrative cost would range from about $350,000 to $850,000 per year depending on program size; the bill contains provisions to address student fees.

The hearing included a mix of personal testimony, coalition data, and discussion of program funding. The committee concluded testimony without a recorded floor vote during this session.