BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1699
85R4469 JAM-F	By: Geren (Nichols)
	Transportation
	5/4/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Interested parties assert that during the implementation of the driver record monitoring pilot program, rules were adopted that limited the program participants too strictly, particularly given the number of qualified applicants to provide certain services under the pilot program.

H.B. 1699 addresses this issue by prohibiting the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) from limiting the number of qualified persons participating in the pilot program and requiring DPS to accept applications from prospective participants until the pilot program has concluded.

H.B. 1699 amends current law relating to the participation by qualified persons in the Department of Public Safety's driver record monitoring pilot program.

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 Sections 521.062, Transportation Code, by amending Subsections (b) and (j) and adding Subsections (b-1) and (b-2), as follows:

(b) Requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), under the driver record monitoring pilot program (pilot program), to enter into a contract with any person qualified to provide certain services and provide certain information from DPS�s driver�s license records to the person as provided by this section (Driver Record Monitoring Pilot Program). Deletes existing text authorizing DPS, under the pilot program, to enter into a contract with a person to provide certain services and certain information from DPS�s driver�s license records to the person. Makes nonsubstantive changes.�

(b-1) Creates this subsection from existing text. Provides that a person is qualified to provide driver record monitoring services if the person, among certain other qualifications, has submitted an application to DPS. Redesignates existing Subdivisions (1) and (2) as Subdivisions (2) and (3). Makes a nonsubstantive change.

(b-2) Prohibits DPS from limiting the number of qualified persons participating in the pilot program.

(j) Requires DPS to accept and consider applications to enter into a contract with DPS under this section until the conclusion of the term of the pilot program. Deletes existing text authorizing DPS to establish a reasonable deadline by which a person is required to apply to enter into a contract with DPS under this section and prohibits DPS from entering into a contract with a person who fails to apply before that deadline.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.