By Bob Katzen

A bill that would establish a JOL Fund to provide financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who cannot afford to pay for driver education courses was heard by the Transportation Committee.

The fund, which would be managed by the Registry of Motor vehicles, would be supported financially through various sources, including grants and public and private gifts. Eligibility for assistance will be based on participation in programs such as free or reduced lunch, MassHealth, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition Program (RAFT).

The measure also would also allow junior operators to travel with passengers under 18 after 90 days – replacing current law which allows it after six months.

“The cost of driver’s education programs in Massachusetts is high, which can disenfranchise low- to moderate-income families who may need a licensed teenager in the home to transport family members, and teenagers themselves who may require a license to get to and from work, school or activities,” said sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem).