Slaughter-Backed Measure to Remove Barriers to Employment by Restricting Driver License Suspensions Passes House and Senate

CHICAGO – Legislation supported by state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, to prohibit the Secretary of State from revoking driver’s licenses for non-driving related offenses recently passed in both the House and Senate.

“For many, the inability to pay tickets has adversely impacted their ability to get back to work and pay off their debts,” said Slaughter. “Suspending driver’s licenses because of unpaid tickets can create a debt cycle that is only made worse by taking away one’s ability to drive to work. This legislation aims to break those cycles and fix an unfair traffic safety system.”

The Slaughter-backed Senate Bill 1786 creates the License to Work Act to eliminate the Secretary of State’s ability to suspend licenses for non-traffic related violations such as outstanding parking tickets, failure to pay child support and failure to pay other fees owed to the Secretary of State. This practice has left thousands of Illinois residents without a way to get to work, and in many cases, losing their job as a result. 

“Low-income families have been disproportionately affected by license suspensions, and this legislation will allow people to go back to work and help build stronger communities and a better economy,” said Slaughter. “I look forward to continuing to work for a better future for all Illinois families.”