SRC-SLL H.B. 171 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 171
By: Driver (Duncan)
Criminal Justice
5-8-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, providing false information on a driver's license application
is a Class B or Class C misdemeanor.  Providing false information on a
driver's license application is a serious offense because a driver's
license is used as an important legal document to establish identity.
This bill will increase the penalty for a false application for a driver's
license or a certificate issued by the Department of Public Safety to a
Class A misdemeanor. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 171 increases the penalty for a false application for a
driver's license or a certificate issued by the Department of Public
Safety to a Class A misdemeanor. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 521.454(c), Transportation Code, to provide that
an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, rather than a
Class C misdemeanor.  Deletes a provision increasing the penalty to a
Class B misdemeanor under certain circumstances. 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.