Unfortunately, rather than helping parents fulfill their responsibilities, government sometimes creates obstacles. I discovered such an instance recently when a single mother in Anchorage called me with a complaint about a state agency. She had contacted the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to check on her teen daughter's driving record - because she suspected her child was driving with a suspended license. This mother was astonished when the DMV told her that her daughter's driving record was private and confidential - and even a parent did not have a right to know this information!

Under Alaska law, a parent must consent before a son or daughter under 18 can receive a driver's license. Furthermore, state law holds the parents liable if their child causes damage because of negligence or wilful misconduct while operating a motor vehicle. Yet the same law denies parents any right to check and see if their son or daughter is driving safely!

I recently introduced Senate Bill 27, which will give parents the right to inspect a child's driving record. This record will include accident reports, as well as convictions for any vehicle, driver or traffic offenses. In addition, SB 27 will give parents the right to review their children's school records. Most school districts voluntarily allow parental access to school records, but nowhere in state law are parents explicitly granted this right.

My wife and I are parents of three children, including two teenagers. We understand the challenges of parenting. Government cannot, and should not, take over this responsibility. However, government can and should take steps to make it easier for parents to do their job. Passage of SB 27 is such a step - and I urge you to contact your legislators and ask them to support this important legislation. You can send a free public opinion message to all 60 legislators by contacting the Anchorage Legislative Information Office at 269-0111.

If you wish to discuss this article or other issues, please call me in Juneau at 907-465-2095. You can also reach me by mail at State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801 or by e-mail at Senator_Loren_Leman@legis.state.ak.us.