SRC-JRN H.B. 1200 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1200
By: Cuellar (Armbrister)
State Affairs
5-10-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, drivers license's and personal identification cards expire on
the first birthday following the fourth anniversary of the application
date.  Each subsequent application for renewal or required change requires
a $16 fee.  This bill allows a six-year term of issuance for driver's
licenses and personal identification certificates. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1200 allows a six-year term of issuance for driver's
licenses and personal identification certificates. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Department of Public Safety in
SECTION 8 of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 521.101(f), Transportation Code, to provide that
a certificate expires on a date specified by the Department of Public
Safety (department), except that a certificate issued to a person 60 years
of age or older does not expire. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 521.271, Transportation Code, as follows:

Sec. 521.271. LICENSE EXPIRATION.  Provides that each original driver's
and provisional license expires , among other expiration dates, on the
first birthday of the license holder occurring after the sixth, rather
than the fourth, anniversary of the date of the applcation. Makes a
conforming change. 

SECTION 3. Amends Section 521.421, Transportation Code, by amending
Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (f), to provide that the fee
for issuance or renewal of a license is $24, rather than $16, and the fee
for renewal of a Class M license is $32, rather than $21.  Requires the
fee for the driver's license to be increased by $8, if a Class A, B, or C
driver's license includes an authorization to operate a motorcycle or
moped. 

SECTION 4. Amends Section 521.422, Transportation Code, as follows:

Sec. 521.422. PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATE FEE.  Provides that the
fee for a personal identification certificate is $15, rather than $10 for
a person under 60, rather than 65 years of age.  Makes a conforming
change. 

SECTION 5. Amends Section 522.029, Transportation Code, by amending
Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (f), to provide that the fee for a
commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued
by the department is $60, rather than $40.  Provides that the fee for the
driver's license or permit is increased by $8, if a commercial driver's
license or commercial driver learner's permit includes an authorization to
operate a motorcycle or moped. 

SECTION 6. Amends Sections 522.051(a)-(d), Transportation Code, to make
conforming changes. 

 SECTION 7. Amends Sections 522.052(b) and (c), Transportation Code, to
make conforming changes. 

SECTION 8. Authorizes the Department of Public Safety, by rule, to provide
for the staggered expiration of licenses, permits, and certificates under
Chapter 521 and 522, Transportation Code. Requires the department to
prorate fees based on the staggered expiration of licenses, permits, and
certificates. 

SECTION 9. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 10. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 11. Emergency clause.