A new bill, which would be put into effect Aug. 28, could loosen the current restrictions on who is allowed to accompany a driving permit holder.

The law currently states permit holders can only drive when accompanied by a grandparent, parent, legal guardian or qualified driving instructor. The new bill, SB 648, would allow anyone 25 years of age or older who has held a license for at least three years to accompany the permit holder with written permission from the parent or legal guardian of the driver.

Sen. Tom Dempsey, R-District 23, sponsored the bill. He explained the purpose of the bill is to allow more flexibility. Someone who cannot afford drivers education classes or a parent that does not have good driving instincts could benefit from the bill, Dempsey said. The parents have the option of asking someone who they feel would be a better teacher.

Sgt. Curtis Perkins of the Columbia Police Department said it would be hard to say whether the changes made by this bill will impact the quality of driving. He said the police department just wants a qualified person to handle instructing the new driver.

This bill could also be beneficial to parents who work and do not have enough time to teach driving, Perkins said.

The only negative circumstance Perkins said might come of this bill is if driving instruction is just given by an older friend or sibling who is not a better instructor.

There was not any concern raised in the Senate committee about the possible safety risks of the new bill, but the committee did add the amendment of consent from legal guardian to ensure safe driving.

Dempsey said he proposed the bill based on an idea brought up by a constituent.

“I was happy to put forth the bill and have it pass the session before our mid-session break,” he said.

Capt. Tim Hull, the director of Patrol Information and Education Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said it was their responsibility to enforce the laws. He did not express an opinion on the bill, but explained young drivers are generally more at risk because they are more likely to take chances.

“My mom was too scared to teach me how to drive, so my dad had to teach me,” freshman Hannah Reese said. “This bill wouldn’t have affected me personally, but I can see how this bill would be beneficial to people who know someone older who can help them.”