SRC-SLL S.B. 559 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 559
By: Truan
Criminal Justice
4-15-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law does not provide for the suspension of the driver's
license of a minor who engages in certain conduct.  Driver's licenses have
been identified by various parties as one of the most important
possessions a teenager can have.  The loss of a license, or the threat of
it, may limit and affect those involved in violent and other activities
involving vehicles. This bill will provide for the suspension of the
driver's license of a minor who engages in certain conduct. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 559 provides for the suspension of the driver's license
of a minor who engages in certain conduct. 

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 Chapter 521O, Transportation Code, by adding Section
521.348, as follows: 

Sec.  521.348. SUSPENSION ON CONVICTION OF OR ADJUDICATION OF DELINQUENT
CONDUCT CONSTITUTING CERTAIN OFFENSES BY MINOR. Provides that the license
of a person who is younger than 18 years of age is automatically suspended
on final conviction of or a final adjudication of certain delinquent
conduct. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 54.042(a), Family Code, to require a juvenile
court, in a disposition hearing under Section 54.04 of this code, to order
the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas (DPS) to take
certain action if the court finds that a child has engaged in conduct that
violates Section 521.342, Transportation Code, rather than Article 6687b,
V.T.C.S.; to notify DPS of the adjudication, if the court finds that the
child has engaged in conduct that violates Section 521.372; and to notify
DPS  of an adjudication in which the court finds that the child has
engaged in certain conduct. 

SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.