Driver’s License-License Suspension-Failure to Pay Child Support-Constitutionality

Plaintiffs appealed the denial of a preliminary injunction and the dismissal of their complaint. Plaintiffs filed suit challenging defendants’ policy of suspending drivers’ licenses for nonpayment of child support without consideration of their ability to pay, arguing that the policy violated their due process and equal protection rights and their fundamental right to travel. The district court denied injunctive relief and dismissed the case for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.

Where plaintiffs’ requested relief was unavailable because plaintiffs lacked standing as the suspension of plaintiffs’ licenses had been stayed or lifted, they were not suffering any Article III injury and plaintiffs failed to explain how the court could redress any injury they were suffering.

Judgment is affirmed.

Bedford v. Missouri Department of Social Services (MLW No. 84990/Case No. 25-1206 – 11 pages) (U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit, Shepherd, J.) Appealed from U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Sippel, J. (Phil Telfeyan, Washington, D.C. for appellant; Lily Milwit, Washington, D.C. on the brief) (Kevin Mark Smith, AAG, Kansas City, MO for appellee)