HBA-DMH, H.B. 454 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 454 By: Driver Public Safety 2/27/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Alcohol-related traffic fatalities involving persons under 21 years of age are a tragedy and a source of concern to many Texans. In Florida, each new driver is required to complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course. Since this policy took effect, the number of alcohol-related collisions has dropped. House Bill 454 requires the completion of an approved drug and alcohol driver awareness training program before a person may be issued an instruction permit. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 454 amends the Transportation Code to authorize the Department of Public Safety or a licensed driver education school to issue an instruction permit to a person who has met specified existing requirements and who has satisfactorily completed and passed a drug and alcohol driving awareness program that has been approved by the Texas Education Agency under the Texas Driver and Traffic Safety Education Act. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.