The Georgia Road Safety and Drivers License Integrity Act – 2015

Section by section outline

Pre-filed as SB 6 for the 2015 session

Sponsored by Georgia state Senator Josh McKoon (R- Columbus) – 2015 session

Section 1 – Code Section: Chapter 5, Title 40, OCGA dealing with drivers licenses

Refines and updates the definition of “legal alien status” for purposes of the Department of Driver Services (DDS) issuing a Georgia drivers license. Definition excludes any illegal alien who has been granted deferred deportation status. Also clarifies definition of “personal information” obtained in that code section.

Section 2 – Title 40

Language establishes authority and directs for the DDS Commissioner to share information obtained for the purpose of issuing a drivers license with appropriate governmental authorities. (see Section 11 pertaining to the federal E-Verify ‘RIDE’ program). Excludes non-citizens who hold temporary drivers licenses from existing limitations on personal information shared with appropriate governmental authorities.
Section 3 – Title 40

Strikes the current language of state law that includes illegal aliens who are beneficiaries of federal deferred action on deportation in eligibility for a drivers license. Requires aliens applying for a temporary drivers license or state ID card to submit fingerprints with application. Requires DDS to include fingerprint or alternate biological characteristic of temporary license holder on the license or ID card after January 1, 2016.

Section 4 – Title 40

Requires DDS to obtain an affidavit from alien applicants for drivers license swearing that applicant is not a recipient of deferred deportation action grant from the federal government. False statements may be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, or both.

Section 5 – Title 40

Makes exclusion for non-citizens/temporary drivers licenses to current state law on collection of fingerprints.

Section 6 – Title 40

Increases penalties for driving without being properly licensed, reduces number of convictions of driving without being licensed for offender to be guilty of a felony.

Section 7 – Title 40

With exclusions, including for for expired drivers licenses and drivers 15 years old or younger, establishes authority of peace officer to have discretion to order that a vehicle driven by an unlicensed driver be impounded for 60 days. Requires vehicle owner to pay storage fees. Allows hearing process for the owner of impounded vehicle. Requires release of vehicle to owner, or owners spouse, child or parent who is lawfully licensed to drive.

Section 8 – Title 40

Modifies current law regarding “abandoned motor vehicle” in accordance with Section 7.

Section 9 – Title 40

Modifies current law regarding “Duty of person removing or storing motor vehicle” in accordance with Section 7.

Section 10 – Title 40

Alters another code section in accordance with Section 7.

Section 11 – Title 40

Requires the Commisser of Driver services to [participate in the federal e-Verify ‘RIDE’ program.
Section 12 – All laws in conflict repealed.