Ward wants law for clearer labeling on restricted licenses

ST. PAUL - Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, recently presented legislation to the House Transportation Committee that would modify the driver's licenses of driver who are restricted from consuming alcohol.

Ward offered the proposal as the result of the 2005 death of Joey Jordan, who was killed by a suspected drunken driver in his senior year in high school. The driver had already been issued a restricted license but the labeling was so small that it was not easily detected.

Kathy and Marc Jordan, the student's parents, joined Ward at the committee hearing. Diana Lodermeier, a Crow Wing County victim's advocate testified on behalf of the legislation.

Ward is calling for the marking on such licenses to be clearer.

The measure was supported by the committee and advanced to the House Transportation Finance Committee.