Costa and Stefano’s bill authorizing community service as an alternative to driver’s license suspension is moving through a Senate committee

HARRISBURG – June 26, 2024 – The Senate Transportation Committee today voted in favor of legislation sponsored by Senators Pat Stefano (R-32) and Jay Costa (D-43) that would provide an alternative solution for Pennsylvania drivers who are unable to pay suspended license fees: community service.

Senate Bill 1118 would allow a district judge to determine whether an individual is financially unable to afford the costs of fines/fees associated with a traffic violation and then assign community service as an alternative to indefinite driver’s license suspension.

“Too often, economically disadvantaged young drivers carry the burden of insurmountable amounts of debt, limiting their potential. These people deserve a solution to retain their driving license so that they can continue to contribute to our communities,” said Stefano. “Providing drivers with this alternative to avoid a suspended license will not only enable these individuals to pursue employment or educational opportunities, but will further strengthen our workforce and help improve neighborhoods across the Commonwealth.”

The bill would also allow people who currently have a suspended driver’s license – due to unlicensed driving violations, failure to appear in court or failure to pay fines – to pursue community service options if a judge deems it appropriate. The community service payment alternative could additionally address suspensions related to driving with a suspended license.

“I am pleased to support this bill in pursuing justice for low-income drivers,” Costa said. “We know that members of our community struggling financially rely on their cars to commute to work, care for families and cope with everyday tasks. By providing these drivers with an alternative path to getting their license reinstated, we are ensuring a justice system that works for every Pennsylvanian. I can’t wait to get to the finish line.”

The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.

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