Associated Press Writer

By DAVE KOLPACKBy DAVE KOLPACK

North Dakota lawmakers are considering a proposal that would allow the state to issue a restricted driver's license to someone who fails to follow through on promises to catch up on child support.

A House committee has recommended approval for the license, which would limit a person to using a vehicle during normal working hours, including driving to and from work.

The state currently has the power to suspend or restrict the license of someone who refuses to pay child support. The license can be reinstated after a payment plan is negotiated, but can be immediately suspended again if that plan is not followed.

James Fleming, a spokesman for the child support enforcement division of the Department of Human Services, said the current law is unclear on whether a restricted license could be issued to someone whose license had earlier been suspended.

"It's mainly a matter of clarifying the law," Fleming said.

Fleming told the House Human Services Committee that it's difficult to tell how often the restricted license would be used.

About 75 percent of the child support accrued in North Dakota is paid on time, Fleming said. His department has "great flexibility" to work with people who show interest in catching up on child support payments, he said.

Fleming said the ability to suspend the license of a deadbeat parent is "one of the most effective tools we have."

The bill is HB1065.