BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1634
81R8492 JAM-F By: Carona
Transportation & Homeland Security
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas (DPS) driver's license division is charged with providing new and renewal driver's licenses, both standard and commercial, as well as state identification cards to any citizen of the state who is eligible to receive one. The combination of this large responsibility and a limited DPS staff often means very long lines at licensing locations. Currently, a person is required to apply for a new license or identification card in person, but renewals for driver licenses and personal identification certificates are authorized to be done by phone, mail, or via the Internet every other renewal period. However, many people continue to choose to apply for renewals in person.
As proposed, S.B. 1634 requires DPS to impose a $5 service charge on any person renewing his or her license or personal identification card in person if he or she had the option to renew by phone, mail, or an electronic means provided by DPS.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter R, Chapter 521, Transportation Code, by adding Section 521.429, as follows:
Sec. 521.429. SERVICE CHARGE FOR CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS. (a) Requires the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas (DPS) to impose a service charge of $5 for each renewal driver's license or personal identification certificate for which an application is filed in person if the applicant is eligible to apply for renewal by mail, by telephone, or by an electronic means provided by DPS.
(b) Requires that a driver's license or personal identification certificate renewal notice issued by DPS contain information regarding the service charge imposed under this section.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2009.