BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1756

By: Taylor, Van

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) may issue duplicate and renewal driver's licenses, election identification certificates, and personal identification certificates, as well as collect associated fees. It is further noted that as Texas' population has increased, so has the demand for renewal and duplication services, causing long wait times and backlogs in DPS driver's license offices. Recently, the legislature responded by enacting a pilot program that authorized DPS to enter into an agreement with certain counties authorizing county offices to process and issue those identification documents and collect associated fees. Since its inception, the pilot program has increased efficiency and expediency of local DPS offices by alleviating the volume of individuals seeking duplicate or renewal driver's licenses, election identification certificates, and personal identification certificates. S.B. 1756 seeks to expand the program statewide.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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

S.B. 1756 amends the Transportation Code to make permanent the pilot program established by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for the provision of services for renewal and duplicate driver's licenses, election identification certificates, and personal identification certificates in certain counties. The bill removes limitations on county participation in the program and extends program eligibility to any county the commissioners court of which enters into an agreement with DPS to permit county employees to provide services at a county office relating to the issuance of those licenses and certificates.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.