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.