Bill > HF1970

This bill establishes a driver's education financial assistance pilot program designed to help young people between 15 and 24 years old obtain driver's education and a driver's license, with a focus on supporting low-income and disadvantaged youth. The program will award grants up to $2,000 per eligible participant to cover expenses like driver's education courses, permit and license fees, and even previous fines that might prevent obtaining a license. Eligible youth include those who have experienced homelessness, are in foster care, receive family assistance, are part of juvenile diversion programs, or demonstrate significant financial hardship. The pilot program will be implemented in at least four different community types (urban, rural, suburban, and Tribal) and will be administered by the Department of Public Safety through a referral system with community-based organizations. A work group comprised of commissioners from education, public safety, and employment will study driver education availability and barriers, with a report due by February 1, 2026. The program is funded with a one-time appropriation of $3,850,000 for fiscal year 2026 and is set to expire on June 30, 2028, with the goal of understanding how to improve driver's education access for low-income students.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1970&ssn=0&y=2025