A bill that eliminates state funding for drivers' education in public schools was steered back to the drawing board on Monday.

The House sent the legislation back to the Education Committee for more work after some legislators voiced concerns that many families won't be able to afford the increased cost.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Steve Thayn, R-Emmett, says the state should end a $125-per student subsidy for public drivers' ed programs and redirect the money back to the state.

This would leave either students or schools to pick up the slack for the courses, which costs $300, or take private training, which can range from $350 to $500.

Sen. John Goedde, R-Coeur d'Alene, said he doesn't believe the bill has a good shot of passing due to the lateness of the session.

"At this time in the session, a bill without consensus doesn't have much chance of passage," Goedde said. "The sponsors ought to introduce it earlier in the next session if they would like to see passage. It appears that public drivers' education may keep private course prices down where they are an option and certainly it provides an opportunity where no private operators are available."

Dave Carlson, spokesman for AAA, which opposes the bill, said there are no simple fixes to the bill.

"The state cannot absolve itself of its safety responsibility, particularly when you consider that teens are already nearly three times likely to injure or kill themselves or others on the road," he said.

Post Falls Superintendent Jerry Keane said he's pleased that legislators are being cautious about the bill.

"There is no doubt that school-based drivers' education is a great service to our children and our community," he said.