BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 5142
88R20860 AJZ-D	By: Kacal (Birdwell)
	Transportation
	5/18/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Many veterans across the state have noted the difficult paperwork process to achieve a veterans designation on their driver's license. Many veterans have often completed the incorrect forms by mistake, delaying their designation and receiving their driver's license even longer.

H.B. 5142 seeks to allow a veteran to provide proof of service and honorable discharge as required to receive this designation simply by showing an identification card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Department of Defense. 

H.B. 5142 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 (b-2), as follows:

(b-2) Requires the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas (DPS), for purposes of Subsection (b)(2), to accept a veteran identification card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or an identification card issued by the United States Department of Defense as sufficient proof of the veteran's military service and honorable discharge.

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

(b-2) Requires DPS, for purposes of Subsection (b)(2), to accept a veteran identification card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or an identification card issued by the United States Department of Defense as sufficient proof of the veteran's military service and honorable discharge.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2023.