Illinois Legislature Passes ‘License to Work Act’

On October 29, 2019, the Illinois House passed Senate Bill 1786 known as the License to Work Act. The Act has now passed both houses of the Illinois legislature and awaits the Governor’s signature. Over the last 30 years, laws have been passed authorizing the suspension of a person’s driver’s license as a means of collecting past due parking ticket fines, tollway violations and fees owed to the Illinois Commerce Commission. The License to Work Act removes the authority of the Secretary of State to suspend driving privileges for such reasons. The legislation also provides for restoration of driving privileges for those persons who have previously had their license revoked, suspended or cancelled for non-payment of parking tickets or tollway violations or fees owed the Illinois Commerce Commission. Those suspended for unpaid parking tickets account for the largest portion of those impacted by the new legislation. Additionally, the Act removes provisions authorizing the revocation, suspension or cancellation of driving privileges for those persons:

• Judged a truant, addicted or delinquent minor.
• Convicted of criminal trespass to a vehicle (unless the person also exercises physical control over the vehicle).
• Adjudged with a mental disability.
• Convicted of selling alcohol to a minor or intoxicated persons.
• Possession of alcohol by a minor (unless the minor is actually an occupant of the vehicle at the time of the offense).

The Act also provides for the reinstatement of driving privileges for those who have already had their driver’ license suspended or revoked for these reasons.

If the Governor signs the legislation as expected, the law will have an effective date of July 1, 2020. The bill is expected to restore driving privileges to 55,000 motorists. The driver’s license reinstatement attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. represent those with suspended or revoked driver’s licenses throughout Illinois. While this new law would surely help a significant number of drivers get back on the road, many others still face an uphill battle. If you are seeking the restoration of your driving privileges for reasons not covered by the Act, contact us today to discuss your case.