Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina teens who drop out of school or skip too many classes would lose their driving privileges under a bill advanced by a Senate committee.

The Senate Education Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved a measure linking school attendance to driver's licenses for teens under 18. The bill moves to the Senate floor.

Teens who need a license to get to work or to drive a sick family member to medical treatments could get a route-restricted license.

Students who return to school or enroll in GED classes could get their licenses back.

The House passed the bill last year by a one-vote margin.

Rep. Tom Young of Aiken says the measure is not a silver bullet, but it's a good thing if it prompts some students to stay in school.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)