Enrolled Bill Summary

            House Bill 2663 amends provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Transportation Code relating to the issuance of a license or permit for certain sex offenders to operate a motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle. The bill requires a registered sex offender to apply for a commercial driver's license or learner's permit not later than 30 days after release or notification of the requirement and to apply annually for renewal of the license or permit. The fee for a commercial driver's license or learner's permit issued to an offender is $20. The bill prohibits such a license from being renewed before the 60th day preceding the expiration date.

            The bill authorizes the Department of Public Safety to issue a driver's license instruction permit or hardship license to an offender for a fee of $20 and provides that such a permit or license must include a photograph of the offender. An instruction permit, hardship license, or provisional license issued to an offender is exempt from the provisions regarding an annual expiration date. The bill removes provisions prohibiting the department from accepting renewal by mail of certain licenses if the license holder has been convicted of a moving violation or an offense that mandates automatic suspension of the license, but retains the prohibition against a registered sex offender's ability to register by mail or electronic means. The bill provides that a disabled veteran is not exempt from the fees for a driver's license if the veteran is also an offender.