BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1514

By: Isaac

Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Many businesses and organizations provide benefits to veterans, but veterans often must provide proof of military service to qualify for them.  Some veterans have pointed out that it is cumbersome to constantly carry discharge paperwork with them.  Adding a "veteran" designation to a driver's license issued to a veteran would make it easier for a veteran to provide proof of military service.  H.B. 1514 would allow a veteran to present proof of military service to the Department of Public Safety and have a small endorsement added to the veteran's driver's license.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1514 amends the Transportation Code to require the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to include the designation "VETERAN" in an available space either on the face or reverse side of a driver's license issued to a person who has served in the United States armed forces or the Texas National Guard and has been honorably discharged if the person requests the designation and provides proof of the person's military service and honorable discharge.  The bill requires an application for an original license to provide space for the applicant to voluntarily list any military service that may qualify the applicant to receive a license with a veteran's designation and space to include proof required by DPS to determine the applicant's eligibility to receive the designation. The bill defines "veteran."

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.