Texas House Bill HB3274

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a declaration of origin.

Impact

The bill has implications for the Civil Practice and Remedies Code by adding Chapter 140, which explicitly outlines the process for obtaining a Declaration of Origin. The courts designated to handle these petitions include statutory probate courts, county courts with probate jurisdiction, and district courts. The introduction of this declaration can enhance the administrative processes of state and local agencies, making it easier for individuals without standard identification to interact with government services.

Summary

House Bill 3274 introduces a new legal mechanism for individuals in Texas to establish their identity through a Declaration of Origin. This bill enables individuals who may lack conventional forms of state identification, such as a driver's license or personal ID card, to petition a court for a declaration that establishes their place and date of birth. The legislation aims to provide an alternative means of proving identity for various official purposes, thereby facilitating access to services and legal rights that depend on identity verification.

Contention

While the bill seeks to aid individuals facing difficulties in proving their identity, there may be concerns regarding its implementation. Questions regarding the sufficiency of alternative forms of evidence to support a petition for a declaration could arise, alongside discussions about the potential burden on court systems tasked with handling these cases. Additionally, the bill mandates a fee of $25 for petitioning for a Declaration of Origin, which some individuals may find prohibitive unless waived based on financial need.