Texas House Bill HB2077

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/21/09

Caption

Relating to driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and personal identification certificates; providing a penalty.

Impact

This bill impacts various elements of state law by enhancing the processes through which the Texas Department of Public Safety administers the application for and issuance of driver's licenses and ID cards. It mandates that the department accept specific forms of identification, including those issued to inmates, thereby broadening the criteria for what constitutes acceptable proof of identity. Additionally, the bill imposes penalties for individuals who intentionally fail to comply with the new verification requirements, categorizing such offenses as Class A misdemeanors.

Summary

House Bill 2077 addresses the requirements and regulations surrounding the issuance of driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and personal identification certificates in the state of Texas. The bill amends several sections of the Transportation Code to clarify the definition of residency, establish protocols for identity verification, and outline penalties for fraudulent activities related to the issuance of these licenses. A critical aspect of this legislation is the amendment that considers an individual as a resident if they have lived in Texas for at least 60 days prior to applying for a driver's license or ID card.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB 2077 may arise from the implications of its identity verification measures and their enforcement, particularly concerning individuals with non-traditional identification status, such as those recently released from incarceration. Critics may voice concerns regarding potential barriers this could create for specific populations in accessing necessary identification for daily activities, including driving and employment. Furthermore, the bill's stipulation regarding residency verification might lead to debates over the fair treatment of new residents and whether the requirements could inadvertently exclude eligible applicants.