Relating to driver's licenses and personal identification certificates issued to veterans; reducing certain fees.
Impact
The bill significantly impacts the Transportation Code by introducing a reduced fee structure for drivers' licenses and personal identification certificates issued to eligible veterans. Specifically, veterans who qualify for this designation will benefit from a fee reduction to half of the normal fee, thereby easing the financial burden on veterans seeking essential identification documents. The legislation thereby recognizes the service of veterans through both informational support and financial relief.
Summary
House Bill 140 aims to provide support to veterans by amending existing laws related to driver's licenses and personal identification certificates in the state of Texas. The key provisions of the bill include the creation of an information resource detailing veterans services, which will be made available to those obtaining a driver's license or identification certificate with a veteran's designation. This is achieved through collaboration between the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Veterans Commission.
Contention
While the bill primarily focuses on providing benefits to veterans, the approach to fee reductions and informational support has raised questions regarding the overall implications for state revenue and veteran service outreach. Observers are particularly interested in how effectively the informational resources will reach veterans and if the reduction of fees could lead to logistical challenges within the state Departments' ability to process licenses efficiently. Furthermore, stakeholders in veteran support services might scrutinize the adequacy of the information provided to ensure it comprehensively covers available assistance programs.
Relating to making certain voluntary contributions when applying for a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or personal identification certificate.
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.
Relating to procedures for the issuance of personal identification certificates to certain persons 65 years of age or older whose driver's licenses are surrendered.