BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 911
87R3388 CXP-D	By: Patterson et al. (Blanco)
	Veteran Affairs & Border Security
	5/13/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

It has been noted that during the recent closures of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices across the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of applications submitted for veteran designations on driver's licenses has decreased in comparison to previous years. Given that these applications may only be submitted in person, the office closures prevented many veterans from pursuing the designation for their licenses. H.B. 911 seeks to address this issue by establishing an online application process for a veteran designation on driver's licenses and personal identification certificates.

H.B. 911 amends the Transportation Code to require DPS to establish and maintain on its website forms and procedures by which a veteran or disabled veteran may request and submit electronically on the DPS website the forms and proof required for a veteran or disabled veteran designation on a personal identification certificate or driver's license or for the renewal of a certificate or license with such a designation.

H.B. 911 amends current law relating to the issuance of specially marked driver's licenses and personal identification certificates to veterans.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 521.102, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (g), as follows:

(g)  Requires the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas (DPS) to establish and maintain on DPS's Internet website forms and procedures by which a veteran or disabled veteran is authorized to request and provide the proof required for a designation on a personal identification certificate or renewal of a personal identification certificate with a designation under Section 521.102 (Designator on Personal Identification Certificate Issued to Veteran) by submitting a form and the required proof electronically on DPS's Internet website.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 521.1235, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (g), as follows:

(g)  Requires DPS to establish and maintain on DPS's Internet website forms and procedures by which a veteran or disabled veteran is authorized to request and provide the proof required for a designation on a driver's license or renewal of a driver's license with a designation under Section 521.1235 (Designator on License Issued to Veteran) by submitting a form and the required proof electronically on DPS's Internet website.

SECTION 3.  Requires DPS,  not later than January 1, 2022,� to establish and maintain on DPS's Internet website the forms and procedures required by Sections 521.102(g) and 521.1235(g), Transportation Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 4.  Effective date: September 1, 2021.