Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB1278

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the proof of identity and residency required of an applicant for a driver's license or personal identification certificate.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1278 is set to significantly impact current practices regarding identification verification in Texas. It establishes a structured framework that can enhance the integrity of driver's licenses and identification certificates issued by the state. By demanding comprehensive proof of identity and residency, the legislation seeks to prevent identity fraud and ensure that licenses are issued only to eligible individuals. The requirement for documented proof aims to promote safety and compliance with federal standards, which may ultimately impact the state's ability to administer licenses effectively.

Summary

House Bill 1278 pertains to the requirements for proof of identity and residency for applicants seeking a driver's license or personal identification certificate in Texas. The bill amends existing sections of the Transportation Code to establish clear guidelines outlining the types and amounts of identification necessary for both new applications and renewals. Under the proposed changes, applicants would need to provide specific primary and secondary identification documents to validate their identity and residency within the state. This is aimed at ensuring that all individuals receiving a license or ID meet the necessary identity verification standards.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding HB 1278 reveal points of contention regarding the balancing of security measures with accessibility for citizens. Critics of the bill may argue that stringent identification requirements could create barriers for individuals, especially those who may lack access to the necessary documentation. Furthermore, questions have been raised regarding the potential administrative burden on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and local departments responsible for implementing these identification checks. The challenge lies in ensuring that while the state strengthens its identification verification process, it also remains accessible to all law-abiding residents.

Companion Bills

TX SB2261

Identical Relating to the proof of identity and residency required of an applicant for a driver's license or personal identification certificate.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3641

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

TX SB116

Relating to requiring a voter to present proof of identification.

TX HB5142

Relating to the issuance of specially marked driver's licenses and personal identification certificates to veterans.

TX HB1677

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

TX SB656

Relating to an optional health condition or disability designation on a driver's license or personal identification certificate.

TX HB4528

Relating to the requirement that a peace officer take possession of a person's driver's license following the person's failure to pass or refusal to consent to a test for intoxication.

TX HB3132

Relating to an optional designation on a driver's license or personal identification certificate indicating that a person is deaf or hard of hearing.

TX HB1477

Relating to the issuance and acceptance of a high school student identification card and certain other forms of identification as identification for voting.

TX HB3253

Relating to the creation of a non-REAL ID personal identification certificate; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1684

Relating to the form of a driver's license or personal identification certificate issued to persons convicted of certain human trafficking offenses.

Similar Bills

NJ A3312

Requires certain background investigation for candidate for law enforcement position.

NJ S1804

Requires certain background investigation for candidate for law enforcement position.

HI HB773

Relating To Identification.

HI HB773

Relating To Identification.

TX SB521

Relating to requiring the consideration of standardized test scores as a factor in nonautomatic admissions decisions at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX HB4702

Relating to requiring the consideration of standardized test scores as a factor in nonautomatic admissions decisions at certain public institutions of higher education.

TX SB518

Relating to the consideration of standardized test scores as a factor in nonautomatic admissions decisions at certain public institutions of higher education.

MI SB0594

Elections: registration; online voter registration process; modify. Amends sec. 509ii of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.509ii).