Texas House Bill HB2411

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/21/09

Caption

Relating to the criminal penalty for unlawfully obtaining, lending, possessing, or using a driver's license or personal identification certificate.

Impact

The implications of HB2411 are significant, as it escalates the consequences for individuals who engage in wrongful activities with driver's licenses and identification certificates. By increasing the penalty level, the bill intends to deter potential offenders who might consider manipulating or misusing these important documents. Additionally, this change could affect law enforcement practices and how such crimes are prosecuted in Texas, leading to a stronger emphasis on vigilance against fraud.

Summary

House Bill 2411 aims to amend the Transportation Code concerning the criminal penalties associated with unlawfully obtaining, lending, possessing, or using a driver's license or personal identification certificate in Texas. This bill specifically reclassifies certain offenses related to fraudulent activities involving these documents, increasing the severity of penalties from a Class A misdemeanor to a felony of the third degree. This legislative change highlights the state's commitment to combating identity fraud and ensuring the integrity of identification documents.

Contention

While the bill appears to strengthen legal repercussions for fraudulent use of identification, some may argue that such stricter penalties could lead to over-criminalization, particularly affecting individuals who might find themselves in dire situations. Critics might raise concerns about the balance between deterring fraud and ensuring that unintentional mistakes do not result in severe penalties. Furthermore, the bill repeals existing provisions which might have offered lesser penalties, raising questions about the fairness and proportionality of punishment under the new law.