Minn. bill would block driver's licenses for dropouts
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A bill under consideration in the Minnesota Legislature would try to keep teenagers in high school by blocking driver's licenses for dropouts.
The Star Tribune reported Tuesday that the bill has bipartisan support, including from Republican Sen. Gen Olson, who heads the Senate Education Committee. The bill hasn't had a hearing yet.
Democratic Rep. Carlos Mariani of St. Paul is sponsoring the legislation in the House. He says driving is a privilege and the state should try to keep students in school.
Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton's office told the paper he hasn't reviewed the proposal.
At least 20 other states, including Wisconsin and Illinois, link school attendance and driving privileges.
The Minnesota Education Department says more than 4,000 high school students dropped out in 2009, or 5.6 percent.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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