Texas House Bill HB467

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Filed: 12/21/10
• Introduced: 12/21/10
• Refer: 2/17/11

Caption

Relating to driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and personal identification certificates.

Impact

The impact of HB467 on state laws is significant, as it centralizes regulations concerning identification documents under the DPS, creating a more streamlined procedure for issuing these licenses. The bill applies only to licenses issued after its effective date, allowing existing licenses to remain valid under the prior regulations. This clarification aims to enhance the integrity and security of identification documents in Texas, ensuring a consistent process that can potentially reduce confusion among applicants. The changes may also have implications for the verification processes used by law enforcement and other agencies.

Summary

House Bill 467 aims to standardize the issuance and format of driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and personal identification certificates in Texas. The bill seeks to ensure that all licenses issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) conform to a consistent format and contain the same type of necessary information. By amending various sections of the Transportation Code, HB467 specifies that these identification documents must be in a uniform format and requires that no extraneous information is included that is not referenced or mandated by law.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding the bill is generally positive among proponents who appreciate the streamlined approach and enhanced security measures that are intended to reduce identity theft and fraud. Supporters argue that a uniform system will help foster better compliance and easier recognition of identification across state lines. However, there could be concerns raised by individuals or local entities who see this centralization as a potential detraction from local oversight and customization in the issuance processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the rigidity introduced by the bill, as critics might argue that state-level regulations could overlook specific regional needs or changes in technology that may benefit local jurisdictions. As such, while the bill potentially increases stability and security in the issuance of identification documents, discussions about local autonomy and adaptability to unique circumstances may arise, reflecting the balance of control between state and local governance.