Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB678

Caption

Relating to the expiration date of a driver's license; increasing a fee.

Impact

In addition to setting a new expiration period, SB678 calls for an increase in the issuance and renewal fee from $24 to $32. This change reflects ongoing efforts to adjust fees according to operational costs for the state's Department of Public Safety. The increased fee is expected to contribute to improved administrative processes and technology updates, ensuring that driver's licenses are processed efficiently.

Summary

SB678 addresses the regulations surrounding the expiration of driver's licenses in Texas. Specifically, it proposes amendments to Section 521.271 of the Transportation Code to set a new expiration period for various types of licenses, including original, provisional, learner, and occupational licenses. The new legislation stipulates that a driver's license will now expire on the eighth anniversary of the application date, replacing the previous guideline that set expiration on the first birthday of the license holder occurring after the sixth anniversary.

Contention

The introduction of SB678 has sparked discussions around its potential impacts on residents and state agencies. Some stakeholders argue that the extended expiration period could alleviate the frequency of renewals, thus reducing overall administrative burdens on both citizens and the state. However, others have raised concerns regarding the implications of the increased fee, questioning if this will disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who may already struggle with the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining a driver's license. This aspect of the bill has raised voices in legislative discussions about equity and accessibility in state services.

Companion Bills

TX HB832

Same As Relating to the expiration date of a driver's license; increasing a fee.

Previously Filed As

TX SB430

Relating to the expiration date of driver's licenses and renewal driver's licenses issued to noncitizens.

TX HB3641

Relating to residency requirements for driver's licenses and personal identification certificates.

TX SB101

Relating to the creation of a limited term driver's license; authorizing fees.

TX HB4380

Relating to the renewal, expiration, and suspension of driver's licenses; increasing a fee.

TX SB270

Relating to the renewal, expiration, and suspension of driver's licenses; increasing a fee.

TX HB2413

Relating to the renewal, expiration, and suspension of driver's licenses.

TX HB291

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

TX SB1980

Relating to the creation of a Texas conditional driver's permit, provisional Texas conditional driver's permit, and Texas conditional learner's permit; authorizing fees; creating an offense.

TX HB1869

Relating to the creation of a Texas conditional driver's permit, provisional Texas conditional driver's permit, and Texas conditional learner permit; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1188

Relating to the creation of a Texas conditional driver's permit, provisional Texas conditional driver's permit, and Texas conditional learner permit; authorizing a fee.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.