(AP) – Legislators are touting changes made to Kansas driver’s license laws that they say will help poorer residents drive in limited situations while their licenses are suspended.

The measure allows residents with suspended licenses to apply for a restricted permit to drive to work, school or other limited locations while they pay off traffic fines.

The law was on the books four years ago and lawmakers initially didn’t notice when a sunset provision took effect in 2012. They took action this session to restore the law.

Two interns with Kansas Legal Services said during a ceremonial bill signing Thursday that the lapse in the law made it difficult for the working poor to stay employed so they could pay their traffic ticket fines.