LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 17, 2011

TO:	Honorable Larry Phillips, Chair, House Committee on Transportation
FROM:	John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB3091 by Rodriguez, Eddie (Relating to operating a motor vehicle without a driver's license; creating an offense.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Section 521.457 (a) of the Transportation Code to create a misdemeanor offense for driving without a drivers’ license for any reason, unless the person is exempt from the license requirement under Chapter 521. The offenses would vary depending on circumstances as defined under Chapter 521. Under current statute, a person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle on a highway after the person's driver's license has been canceled, suspended or revoked; if after renewal, the person's driver's license is denied; or if the person does not have a driver's license subsequently issued.
 
A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both.
 
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), there would be some costs to the Information Technology division for contractors for programming, database administration and project management to design, develop, test and implement the required changes, but no other costs are anticipated. This analysis assumes DPS could implement the provisions of the bill within existing appropriations.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2011.

Local Government Impact

There could be costs associated with enforcement, prosecution and confinement; and revenue gain from fines imposed and collected, but the amounts would vary depending on the number of offenses committed and the level of the offense that may also be offset.

Source Agencies:

405 Department of Public Safety

LBB Staff:

JOB, TP, KJG