Laurel Highlands Today

The Pennsylvania General Assembly has given its final approval to a new piece of legislation introduced by Senators Pat Stefano and Jay Costa. The bill aims to provide an alternative for Pennsylvania drivers who are unable to pay the fines associated with their suspended licenses due to routine violations. This option would allow magisterial district judges to offer community service as a substitute for financial payments.

"The ability to drive is essential in rural Pennsylvania," Senator Stefano emphasized. "This legislation will empower drivers struggling to escape the prison of debt, created by fines and fees from traffic violations, to get back on the road so they can continue to contribute to our local communities."

Senate Bill 1118 extends this option not only for those currently facing suspension due to unpaid fines but also for suspensions related directly to driving with a suspended license if deemed appropriate by a judge.

"Today is a great day for justice reform in Pennsylvania," Senator Costa stated. "This bipartisan legislation stands to make an enormous difference in the lives of low-income drivers who cannot afford the fines to reinstate suspended licenses. By allowing judges to assign community service instead of financial penalties for drivers already struggling, we can ensure workers get to jobs, patients get doctor’s appointments, kids get school, and families can live their lives."

During its passage through the House of Representatives, several amendments were made. These included increasing the response time for individuals receiving notice of suspension and reducing the law's effective date from 26 months down to 18 months.

"This has been many years in the making," noted Senator Stefano. "Senator Costa and I first introduced this legislation more than four years ago following a study that showed failure to pay fines and fees and failure appear court are most common reasons license suspension among young drivers. I'm happy see initiative finally come fruition."

The bill now awaits action from Governor's office.