SRC-MAX H.B. 972 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 972 By: Jones, Jesse (Whitmire) Criminal Justice 5-17-97 Engrossed DIGEST Many states such as California and Florida have implemented interactive programs which allow car rental companies to check the current status of prospective customers at the time of rental. This practice has greatly reduced the accident and vehicle theft related loss experienced by these companies. This bill sets forth provisions regarding systems for providing access to driver's license record information held by the Texas Department of Public Safety. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 972 sets forth provisions regarding systems for providing access to driver's license record information held by the Texas Department of Public Safety. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Department of Public Safety in SECTION 1 (Sections 521.055(f) and 521.056(d) and (e), Transportation Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 521C, Transportation Code, by adding Sections 521.055 and 521.056, as follows: Sec. 521.055. ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERACTIVE SYSTEM. Authorizes the Texas Department of Public Safety (department) to establish a system, separate from the department's mainframe computer, that will allow interactive access to certain driver's license record information. Authorizes the system to provide for the release of certain information. Provides that the fee for a status check under Subsection (b)(1) is $2.50. Provides that the fee for a three-year driving record under Subsection (b)(2) is $4.50. Requires fifty cents of each fee collected under Subsection (c) to be deposited in a special account in the general revenue fund that may be appropriated only to the department for administration of this chapter. Authorizes the department to contract with private vendors as necessary to implement this section. Authorizes the department to adopt rules as necessary to administer this section. Sec. 521.056. NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER. Authorizes the department to process file check requests under the National Driver Register on behalf of current or prospective employers of individuals employed or seeking employment as operators of motor vehicles or railway locomotive operators if the individual gives certain consent and has a licenses in this state. Provides that the fee for a request under Subsection (a) is $4. Requires the department to forward a request made under Subsection (a) directly to the current or prospective employer. Requires the department to assist and provide procedures for an individual to obtain certain information. Authorizes the department, by rule, to establish a reasonable fee for this service, in conformity with the policies of the National Driver Register. Authorizes the department to adopt forms and rules as necessary to carry out the purposes of this section and comply with the policies of the National Driver Register. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.