BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 911

By: Patterson

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that during the recent closures of the Department of Public Safety 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.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 911 amends the Transportation Code to require the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not later than January 1, 2022, 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.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.