Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1771

Caption

Relating to the assumption by the office of the secretary of state of the powers and duties relating to driver's licenses, personal identification certificates, and other related programs, powers, and duties and to the provision of some of those services by certain vendors; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The act not only enables a structural change in how driver's licenses and identification certificates are managed but also aims to streamline government operations and enhance customer service. By moving these responsibilities to the Secretary of State’s office, the bill encourages organizational efficiencies and may potentially improve the overall experience for Texas residents in obtaining or renewing their identification documents. It addresses the need for cooperation between the two offices to ensure that the transition is not only smooth but also preserves the integrity of the processes involved.

Summary

SB1771 is a legislative act aimed at transferring the responsibility for driver's licenses and personal identification certificates from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to the Office of the Secretary of State in Texas. The bill outlines the framework for the transition of various powers and duties related to these services, emphasizing the need for a seamless transfer of processes to ensure that existing operations continue without disruption. It highlights the administrative shift while ensuring that any licenses or certificates issued under the previous authority remain valid during the transition period.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SB1771 includes concerns about accountability and the effectiveness of the transition. Stakeholders express a desire for clarity on how the transfer might impact service delivery and whether it could lead to increased fees for citizens due to the introduction of vendor services as proposed by the bill. While proponents argue that centralizing these functions under the Secretary of State could reduce bureaucratic overlap and improve efficiency, opponents caution that such shifts could initially disrupt services and complicate matters for users unfamiliar with the new system. Additionally, the bill includes authorizations for certain fees that could affect the affordability of these services moving forward.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB24

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB418

Relating to the duties and powers of peace officers.

TX HB5228

Relating to the issuance of a driver's license or personal identification certificate to certain individuals and the use of the identification fee exemption account to fund the fee waivers for those individuals.

TX HB4049

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB1142

Relating to certain agreements entered into with the Department of Public Safety for the issuance of renewal and duplicate driver's licenses and other identification certificate services, including voter registration services; increasing the amount of a fee.

TX SB2096

Relating to the use of force by peace officers and other officer interactions and duties.

TX HB4398

Relating to the powers and duties of a personal bond or personal bond and pretrial supervision office.

TX HB1677

Relating to the issuance of a certified birth record, driver's license, or personal identification certificate to a homeless individual.

TX SB219

Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and law enforcement agencies regarding law enforcement officers and the use of body worn cameras; authorizing fees.

Similar Bills

TX HB1515

Relating to the assumption of the powers and duties relating to driver's licenses and personal identification cards by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and the authority of a county to provide driver's licenses and other identification certificate services.