DL Suspension for Deadbeats Passes

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Deadbeat parents at least two months behind on their child support could be stuck taking the bus. Utah lawmakers appear to have finally come around to the idea of suspending the driver licenses of non-custodial parents who can afford to pay but don't. Senator Allen Christensen wished his colleagues would go even further:

"I wish we were going further," says Christensen. "I think we ought to attach professional licenses and hunting licenses, too. This has worked well for other states and we need to do it for the children's sake."

A 2005 audit estimates Utah children are owed 325-million dollars in back child support. Last year, State Senators were reluctant to give the Utah Office of Recovery Services power to suspend driver licenses, fearing it might cause too much hardship for non-custodial parents. A number of Senators, including President John Valentine, have now changed their minds:

"I'll be watching very carefully to determine ORS does not abuse this," says Valentine. "The old ORS we had a decade ago, I'd never trust with this tool. But the new ORS seems to be trying to do what's right."

Valentine says he'll lead the effort to repeal the law if it is abused. Deadbeat parents will receive a warning before their license is suspended and they can appeal for a temporary license to get to work and church. If signed by the governor, the measure will take effect in July of 2008.

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