Debate over Driver’s License Fee Heats Up
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The battle over a new driver’s license fee in Alabama continues among the state’s top law enforcement officials and a state senator. Back in February, the Alabama Law Enforecement Agency raised the current fee for driver’s licenses and photo ID’s by $13. Officials with ALEA say the fee is needed to offset lost revenue for the department. It’s revenue they say is needed to keep state troopers on the highways.
However, State Senator Bill Holtzcalw from Madison County has introduced Senate Bill 44. That bill which has already passed the senate, would repeal that fee increase. The bill would also close a loophole in the Code of Alabama that ALEA used to raise the fee without legislative approval. Holtzclaw says while he understands the need for more money for ALEA, he beleives the $12 millon in revenue raised by the increase amounts nothing more than a tax increase. He says he wants the elected representatives of the state of Alabama to make the final decision.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for debate. If passed there, it would then be up to Govenor Robert Bentley to sign it into law. Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier met with House leadership this week to express is dissaproval of the bill.
