VanderWall votes to end driver responsibility fees. 

VanderWall votes to end driver responsibility fees. 

LANSING — State Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) on Thursday voted for sweeping bipartisan legislation that brings an end to driver responsibility fees in October 2018 and forgives debt arising from the fees.

VanderWall enactment of driver responsibility fees in 2003 was the reckless act of a past administration desperate to balance the budget. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents have paid fees that did nothing to improve their driving skills.

“People affected by driver responsibility fees often lost driving privileges, which in turn led to them being unable to find reliable transportation to work. Many lost their jobs as a result,” VanderWall said. “As they fell deeper into debt because of the fees – unable to regain their driver’s licenses – they depended on public assistance to care for their families. It was truly a Catch 22 situation.”

The eight-bill package ends the fees on Oct. 1, 2018 and forgives debt owed by those who have been affected by the fees. They also provide alternative methods to fulfill the fee payment until they are eliminated.

“We have restored a community service option so people can work off their fees while cleaning up their neighborhoods or helping others,” VanderWall said. “One of the bills establishes a workforce development program that helps people find good jobs once they regain their driving privileges.”

The bills now go to the Senate for consideration.

VanderWall represents the 101st House District, which includes Mason, Manistee, Benzie, and Leelanau counties.