78R8341 JRJ-D


By:  McReynolds, Christian                                        H.B. No. 1330



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to medical information on a driver's license.                        
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 521.125, Transportation Code, is amended 
to read as follows:
	Sec. 521.125.  MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION ON LICENSE.  
(a) On the reverse side of a driver's license, the department 
shall:
		(1)  print:                                                                   
			(A)  "Allergic Reaction to Drugs: _____";                                    
			(B)  "Directive to physician has been filed at 
tel. #"; [and]
			(C)  "Emergency contact tel. #"; and                                  
			(D)  if space allows, any medical information 
provided by the license holder under Section 521.142(h);
		(2)  include to the right of the statements under 
Subdivisions (1)(B) and (C) a surface on which the license holder 
may write the appropriate telephone number; and
		(3)  include to the left of each of the statements under 
Subdivisions (1)(B) and (C) a box that the license holder may use to 
indicate for what purpose the telephone number applies.
	(b)  In addition to the requirements of Subsection 
(a)(1)(D), if space allows, the department shall indicate any 
medical information by a uniform symbol or code on the face of the 
license in the space where the department indicates a restriction 
or endorsement.
	SECTION 2.  Section 521.142, Transportation Code, is amended 
by amending Subsection (f) and adding Subsection (h) to read as 
follows:
	(f)  Information supplied to the department relating to an 
applicant's medical history is for the confidential use of the 
department and may not be disclosed to any person or used as 
evidence in a legal proceeding other than a proceeding under 
Subchapter N.  This subsection does not apply to information 
provided by an applicant under Subsection (h).
	(h)  The application must provide space for the applicant to 
voluntarily list any health condition that may impede communication 
with a peace officer as evidenced by a written statement from a 
licensed physician.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect January 1, 2004.