SRC-JFA H.B. 1006 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1006
By: Jones, Jesse (Shapiro)
Criminal Justice
5-14-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the penalty for possession of a weapon by a minor is a
misdemeanor.  Juveniles are increasingly committing crimes with the use of
handguns.  For most youths, obtaining a driver's license is a special
privilege.  As a possible deterrent to violence, juveniles convicted of
unlawfully carrying a weapon should lose this special privilege.  This
bill would require a juvenile court to order the Department of Public
Safety  to suspend a child's driver's license or permit if the child is
engaged in conduct that violates a penal law prohibiting or use of a
firearm while driving a motor vehicle. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1006 requires a juvenile court to order the Department
of Public Safety to suspend a chid's driver's license or permit if the
child has engaged in conduct that violates a penal law prohibiting the
possession or use of a firearm while driving a motor vehicle.  

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 54, Family Code, by adding Section 54.0421, as
follows:  

Sec. 54.0421.  LICENSE SUSPENSION OR DENIAL FOR USE OR POSSESSION OF
FIREARM.  Defines "firearm."  Requires a juvenile court, in a disposition
hearing under Section 54.04, to order the Department of Public Safety
(DPS) to suspend a child's driver's license or permit or, if the child
does not have a license or permit, to deny the issuance of a license or
permit to the child if the court finds that the child, while in the motor
vehicle, engaged in certain acts.  Requires the order to specify a period
of suspension or denial for two years or until the child reaches the age
of 17, whichever is longer.  Prohibits a child whose driver's license or
permit has been suspended or denied under Subsection (b) from applying for
an occupational license under Chapter 521L, Transportation Code, unless
the juvenile court specifies in the order that the child remains eligible
to receive an occupational license under Chapter 521L, Transportation
Code.   

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.