Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, hosted an interim study before the House Public Safety Committee to examine possible steps that could be taken to help get drivers licenses reinstated after being involved in the justice system.

Miller requested the study to examine the impact possessing a valid drivers license has on a person’s life after they conclude their time in the justice system. The study also focused on the current process in place for those whose licenses have been suspended or expired for reasons related to their involvement in the justice system.

“As legislators, there are a few questions we need to be asking ourselves through this study. Are these laws working as intended? Are we getting the results that we expected? Does the law need to be reformed to ensure that there is a less cumbersome path for drivers license reinstatement while still preserving the safety of the public?” Miller said during her introduction. “These laws, we know, have been amended and changed countless times in the last decade, and what we’re really left with today is just a series of laws and administrative code that has been cobbled together over time.”

Miller said the issue was brought to her attention by Judy Mullen Hopper, a constituent whose stepson went 15 years without a license after his was suspended due to a 2004 conviction of simple drug possession, which is now considered a misdemeanor under State Question 780 and House Bill 1269.

Hopper told the committee about the effect losing the ability to drive had on her stepson. Without a license, he couldn’t get a job, whereas previously he was in the process of becoming an electrician. She said feelings of discouragement and hopelessness are common among those who have lost their license.

Hopper said the fines and fees to have his license reinstated ended up costing over $2,100. The process took 60 hours of courses, in addition to time spent finding transportation to and from his classes. The entire process had to be completed within six months.

Erin Brewer shared her experience as a second chance employer in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown, where she owned RedPin and witnessed the struggle her employees endured to become a contributing member of society again.

Brewer said RedPin employed about 160 people a year who walked from nearby halfway houses, and they were consistently reliable, eager and hardworking. Brewer said although she was aware of tax credits available for second chance employers, they were not a major incentive for her. She said credits were difficult to find and fill out, especially because it required a separate form for each second chance employee.