TX
Texas House Bill HB683

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB683

Caption

Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program; eliminating program surcharges.

Impact

The repeal of the Driver Responsibility Program is expected to modify various state statutes, particularly those that outline the financial assessments related to moving violations. It will have a direct impact on the Revenue Code, as the surcharges collected under the program contribute to state funds. The lack of these surcharges may lead to a decrease in revenue, which raises concerns among state legislators about how this loss will be compensated. The bill emphasizes a shift towards a more equitable approach to traffic violations, aligning criminal penalties more closely with traditional fine structures without additional surcharges.

Summary

House Bill 683 proposes the repeal of the Driver Responsibility Program in Texas, which has been a subject of contention since its inception. The Driver Responsibility Program was designed to impose additional fines and surcharges on drivers who had committed certain traffic offenses, with the aim of promoting road safety. However, many have criticized the program for its regressive nature, claiming that it disproportionately affects low-income individuals who struggle to pay the added financial burdens. HB683 seeks to eliminate these surcharges, simplifying the penalties for moving violations and potentially helping to improve the financial situations of affected drivers.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB683 reflects a larger discourse about justice and fairness in the penal system. Supporters argue that repealing the program alleviates unnecessary financial strain on drivers and makes the legal system more accessible. In contrast, opponents voice concerns over the potential revenue loss for state-funded public safety programs, as the surcharges have been used to fund various initiatives. Some stakeholders fear that eliminating the program could diminish deterrents for reckless driving, emphasizing the need for balance between punishment and financial equity.

Companion Bills

TX SB191

Similar To Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; temporarily increasing a criminal fine.

Previously Filed As

TX SB478

Relating to the administration of the motorcycle operator training and safety program and requirements for the issuance of certain driver's licenses and commercial driver's licenses; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1998

Relating to the regulation of physicians, the disciplinary authority of the Texas Medical Board, and the administration of the Texas Physician Health Program; increasing a criminal penalty; imposing a surcharge.

TX HB5183

Relating to educational programs for persons whose driver's license is suspended following conviction of certain drug offenses.

TX HB1341

Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to the cultivation, manufacture, delivery, and possession of marihuana and cannabis.

TX SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB5094

Relating to the administration of the financial responsibility verification program.

TX HB5261

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB291

Relating to occupational driver's licenses and to the renewal of driver's licenses.

TX SB324

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision for certain repeat intoxication offenders.

TX HB3758

Relating to repealing civil asset forfeiture provisions and establishing criminal asset forfeiture in this state.

Similar Bills

MD HB1215

Transportation Financing - Retail Delivery Fee and Transportation Network Company Impact Fee (Transportation Funding Act of 2024)

TX SB1383

Relating to the creation and administration of the Texas Local Participation Transportation Program.

TX HB3469

Relating to a study by the Texas Department of Transportation on the feasibility of charging a pavement consumption fee for the operation of certain motor vehicles on public highways.

TX SB2949

Relating to the regulation of certain facilities and operators engaged in the motor fuel transport or export business; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a civil penalty.

TX HB2068

Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; authorizing and increasing criminal fines.

TX SB918

Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; eliminating program surcharges; authorizing and increasing criminal fines; increasing a fee.

TX HB2048

Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; eliminating program surcharges; authorizing and increasing criminal fines; increasing a fee.

TX SB2185

Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; authorizing and increasing criminal fines.