State legislators speak on controversial seniors driving bill

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — During the Southwest Michigan Area Agency on Aging's annual legislative forum Monday, ABC57 caught up with several state lawmakers to ask for their opinions on Senate Bill 847.

That bill would mandate Michiganders between the ages of 75 and 84 to take a written, vision and driving skills test every four years to retain their licenses.

Under that proposal, residents 85-and-older would need to pass those tests every year to stay on the road.

Republican State Rep for District 37, Brad Paquette, says that while the bill is still in the Senate, he's against it, saying "Helping keep people independent is where I stand. I think taking people’s ability to drive is very threatening. I already had a bunch of constituent outreach on it. I’m very cautious about it and watching it as it goes.”

Republican Senator for District 17, Jonathan Lindsey, was split on the issue, and said he would need to take a closer look at the bill before it heads to his chamber.

"I understand that there is an interest people have – and I think it’s fair – to try to make sure everyone that’s driving is safe – and that’s good for the drivers and everyone around them. But I have seen some concern about that as well to make sure it’s a balancing act – that we’re not trying to push people out of something that they’ve been so reliant on for so long.” said Senator Lindsey.

The bill, introduced on March 18, was referred to the state's Committee for Transportation and Infrastructure, and has not moved forward in the Senate at this time.

Senate Bill 847 was initially proposed by Democratic State Rep. Rosemary Bayer, of District 13.