Under present law, an act of harassment by a minor committed by engaging in bullying or cyberbullying is a delinquent act and must be punished as such under state law. Beginning July 1, 2025, this bill adds that, in addition to any other disposition authorized by law, the disposition must include the suspension of the minor's driving privileges or ability to obtain a driver license for a period of one year in accordance with the procedures set out in applicable state law pertaining to motor vehicles, penalties, crimes, and procedures. ON APRIL 7, 2025, THE HOUSE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED HOUSE BILL 1025, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 makes the following revisions:  Authorizes the court to issue an order for a restricted driver license for a juvenile adjudicated delinquent for a violation of harassment by bullying or cyberbullying, if the juvenile has not previously been adjudicated delinquent for such a violation.  Authorizes a restricted license to be granted for travel to and from school during regular school hours, to and from and working at the person's regular place of employment, and to and from church services.  Prohibits such restricted license from being granted for travel to and from social events or extracurricular school activities.  Requires an order allowing a restricted license to state with all practicable specificity the necessary time and places of permissible operation of a motor vehicle and to be made part of the judgment of the court.  Authorizes the juvenile offender to obtain a certified copy of the order and within 10 days after the order is issued, present the order together with an application fee of $20, to the department of safety, which must forthwith issue a restricted license embodying the limitations imposed if the person has reached the proper age and complied with all testing requirements.  Provides that after proper application and until the restricted license is issued, a certified copy of the order of judgment of the court may serve as the motor vehicle operator's license.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-17-308(d)(2), 39-17-308