Senators advance bill denying licenses to dropouts

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 now heads to the Senate floor.

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

The House narrowly passed the bill last year.

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.