AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Currently, a disabled veteran is exempt from paying the fee to obtain a driver's license but is not exempt from paying the fee for obtaining a personal identification certificate from the Department of Public Safety.  A disabled veteran who needs official state identification and who may not qualify for a driver's license is required to pay the fee for such identification.

 

H.B. 1148 exempts an honorably discharged veteran who has a disability rating of at least 60 percent and who receives disability compensation from the federal government from paying the personal identification certificate fee.

 

H.B. 1148 amends current law relating to an exemption for certain disabled veterans from the payment of a fee for the issuance of a personal identification certificate.

 

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 Section 521.426(a), Transportation Code, to provide that, except as provided by Subsection (c) (relating to providing that Subsection (a) does not apply to a person subject to the registration requirements of Chapter 62 (Sex Offender Registration Program), Code of Criminal Procedure), a veteran of service in the armed forces of the United States is exempt from the payment of fees under this chapter for the issuance of a driver's license or personal identification certificate if the veteran was honorably discharged, has a service-related disability of at least 60 percent, and receives compensation from the United States because of the disability.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2011.