Texas House Bill HB1248

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the criminal consequences of a failure to pay the surcharge assessed on a person's driver's license under the driver responsibility program.

Impact

The enactment of HB1248 would formally integrate stricter penalties for individuals failing to meet surcharge requirements, thereby potentially impacting a significant number of residents whose driving licenses are subject to surcharges. The bill is designed to collect delinquent payments and deter noncompliance through financial penalties. It also clarifies that these new regulations pertain only to surcharges assessed post-enactment, allowing pre-existing surcharges to remain governed by previous laws. Consequently, the legislation could influence compliance rates and the overall efficiency of the driver responsibility program.

Summary

House Bill 1248 proposes amendments to the Transportation Code, specifically concerning the criminal consequences associated with failure to pay a surcharge imposed under the driver responsibility program. According to the provisions of the bill, individuals who neglect to pay or enter into a payment agreement with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) regarding a driver's license surcharge would be committing a misdemeanor offense. Each failure to comply would constitute a separate misdemeanor, with an associated fine not exceeding $250 for each instance. This legislation is expected to enhance enforcement of surcharge payments and ensure accountability among licensed drivers.

Contention

Debate over HB1248 may arise surrounding the fairness and effectiveness of imposing criminal penalties for administrative infractions such as failure to pay a surcharge. Advocates of the bill argue that the measure is necessary to uphold responsibilities associated with driving privileges, emphasizing public safety and state revenue collection. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the potential for socio-economic disparities, where individuals unable to pay may face harsher consequences, leading to a cycle of penalization. This tension could lead to discussions on equity in traffic law enforcement, particularly for vulnerable populations.