BILL ANALYSIS
By: Harris
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Under current law, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is authorized to use a Texas driver's license or identification card to compile an electronic list of information regarding persons obtaining hunting or fishing licenses. Also, a person who is permitted to sell alcohol or tobacco products is authorized to use a Texas driver's license or identification card to compile an electronic list of information regarding persons buying alcohol and tobacco products. A similar system is needed to allow for easier monitoring by the state regarding who is purchasing mass quantities of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and norpseudoephedrine for possible use in producing methamphetamines.
As proposed, S.B. 307 authorizes a person who is permitted to sell ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or norpseudoephedrine products over-the-counter to use a Texas driver's license or identification card to compile an electronic list of information regarding persons purchasing such products.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
ANALYSIS
S.B. 307 provides that a person may access electronically readable information on a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or personal identification certificate for the purpose of complying with Section 486.014 of the Health and Safety Code. Information obtained in this manner may not be sold or otherwise made available to a third party for any purpose including marketing, advertising, or promotional activities. The information may be obtained by court order or on request by the department or the Department of Public Safety. A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor offense. Makes conforming changes.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This act takes effect immediately if it receives two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house, otherwise it will take effect on September 1, 2007.