Texas House Bill HB1619

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to format, appearance, and contents of a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or personal identification certificate issued by the Department of Public Safety.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1619 would require that all personal identification certificates and driver's licenses adhere to a uniform format. Specifically, this bill mandates that each type of identification must share the same appearance and orientation and contain the same information. By doing so, it aims to simplify requirements for the DPS and helps to ensure that individuals can recognize and authenticate these documents easily, reducing instances of fraud and confusion at checkpoints or during transactions requiring ID.

Summary

House Bill 1619 seeks to amend the Transportation Code regarding the format, appearance, and content of driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and personal identification certificates issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The proposed changes emphasize uniformity in how these identification documents are presented, aiming to establish a standardized format that ensures consistency across all issued licenses and certificates. This would aid in identity verification processes and enhance security measures associated with these vital documents.

Contention

While the bill seems straightforward in its objective to standardize identification documents, it could generate discussions regarding the implications for personal privacy and data management. Some stakeholders may raise concerns about the overarching control of the DPS in terms of the data included on these licenses and how that data is utilized. The absence of any allowance for additional information specific to certain user needs could also lead to debates about flexibility versus security in documentation processes.