JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House has signed off on legislation that would modify the policies related to licenses issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue in an effort to assist homeless youth in obtaining ID cards.
HB 1775, sponsored by State Representative Chad Perkins, proposes a comprehensive solution to support homeless youth by exempting them from specific fees collected by licensing offices, establishing a dedicated fund to manage and distribute these funds, and adjusting certain fee rates.
The legislation grants exemptions to homeless children, homeless youth, and unaccompanied youth from fees for non driver identification cards and intermediate driver’s licenses, contingent upon verification of their homeless status by designated authorities. Additionally, homeless children and youth are categorized as “emancipated minors,” facilitating their attainment of supervised driving experience needed for intermediate licenses.
The bill introduces the “License Office Distribution Fund” to manage funds collected by motor vehicle registration fee offices, with quarterly disbursements to support contracted offices. It prohibits awarding fee office contracts to entities associated with Department of Revenue employees for a year post-termination, emphasizing uniform fee collection.
The bill also increases the following fees authorized to be charged by motor vehicle registration offices, a portion which will be remitted to the License Office Distribution Fund:
- A motor vehicle or trailer registration issued, renewed or transferred, increases from $6 to $9; and a license sold or biennially renewed, increases from $12 to $18;
- An application or transfer of title, increases from $6 to $9;
- An instruction permit, non driver license, chauffeur’s, operator’s, or driver’s license issued for a period of three years or less, increases from $6 to $9; and a license or instruction permit issued or renewed for a period exceeding three years, increases from $12 to $18; and
- A notice of lien processed, increases from $6 to $9.
Finally, the bill permits applicants to apply for a Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation emblem license plate and make a contribution payment during registration. These contributions are then deposited to the credit of the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation.
“This bill not only provides crucial assistance to homeless children and youth but also establishes measures to improve the efficiency and fairness of fee collection,” Perkins, R-Bowling Green, said. “HB 1775 represents a compassionate and practical approach to supporting homeless youth in our state. By exempting them from certain fees and streamlining the process for obtaining essential documents, we’re removing obstacles to their stability and success. We want to make sure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.”
“Having photo identification is an important resource for every Missouri citizen,” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said. “This legislation not only provides relief for homeless youth. It’s a comprehensive solution that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many Missourians.”