The bill would waive original and renewal driver's license fees for first responders including peace officers, fire protection personnel, volunteer firefighters, ambulance drivers, and emergency medical services personnel certified by the Department of State Health Services.
The bill would require the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to establish a record of the amount of fees waived that otherwise would have been deposited to the credit of the Texas Mobility Fund (TMF) and remit, on or before the fifth workday of each month, to the Comptroller an amount from available funds equal to the fees waived for first responders for the preceding month.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2023.
According to DPS, the fiscal impact, while assumed to be significant, cannot be determined at this time due to the number of first responders seeking an original or renewal of a driver's license in a given fiscal year being unknown.
For context, Health and Human Services estimates there are approximately 73,696 licensed EMS/Paramedics, the Commission on Law Enforcement estimates there are approximately 78,942 licensed peace officers, and the Commission on Fire Protection estimates there are approximately 52,332 volunteer and paid firefighters in the state.
According to the Department of Transportation, there would be no cost associated with implementing the provisions of the bill if DPS reimburses the TMF for the waived fees.
The Texas Constitution, Article III, Section 49-k requires that Texas Mobility Fund dedicated revenues may not be reduced, rescinded, or repealed unless the legislature dedicates a substitute or different source that is projected by the comptroller to be of an equal or greater value.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.