Minooka Mother Cheers Signing of Kelsey's Law

A Minooka mother is applauding common-sense legislation that Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law earlier this week that could make it tougher for some teenage drivers to earn a license, according to a Chicago Tribune report.

“Kelsey’s Law will enable the state to act appropriately in keeping our roads and our children safer,” stated Nancy Deckelman in the report. “It’s the kind of common-sense legislation that will make people safer, our laws fairer and my family a little happier knowing, that for everything Kelsey’s been through, that something finally good will come of it.”

Deckelman is the mother of Kelsey Little, a Minooka teen who was walking back from getting ice cream with friends when she was hit and seriously injured by a teen driver who was operating a vehicle with a learner’s permit, according to the Chicago Tribune report.

Three days after the accident, the driver was able to apply for and receive a full driver’s license under what Quinn described in the Trib report as a “loophole” in state law. Now, Secretary of State Jesse White and officials in his office will have authority to deny a driver’s license or permit to anyone 18 or younger who has unresolved traffic tickets, according to the report.

The legislation—signed into law by Quinn on Monday—was inspired by Little and the public outcry following her accident. Kelsey’s Law takes effect immediately, according to the Chicago Tribune report.