Relating to the requirement of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States for issuance of a driver's license, personal identification certificate, commercial driver's license, or commercial driver learner's permit.
Impact
The proposed changes in the law will directly affect the Texas Transportation Code, specifically the sections that govern the issuance of driver's licenses and identification documents. By requiring proof of citizenship or lawful presence, SB1784 aims to enhance the integrity of the state's identification systems. It may potentially restrict access to these essential documents for non-citizens, thereby creating barriers for individuals who may need these forms of identification for various reasons, such as employment and access to public services.
Summary
Senate Bill 1784 focuses on the requirements for obtaining a driver's license, personal identification certificate, commercial driver's license, or commercial driver learner's permit in Texas. It introduces a mandate that all applicants must provide proof of United States citizenship or documentation from the relevant immigration authority if they are non-citizens. This change applies to both first-time applicants and those renewing or duplicating existing licenses or certificates. The bill is designed to ensure that the identity and residency of applicants are verified in compliance with federal regulations.
Contention
There are notable points of contention associated with SB1784. Supporters argue that the bill will help reduce identity fraud and uphold the integrity of the licensing process, while critics contend that it may unfairly discriminate against non-citizens and complicate the lives of law-abiding residents who may face difficulties in obtaining requisite documents. The discussions surrounding the bill have highlighted concerns regarding its implications for access to identification in communities with significant non-citizen populations, leading to fears about social and economic exclusion.
Identical
Relating to the requirement of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States for issuance of a driver's license, personal identification certificate, commercial driver's license, or commercial driver learner's permit.
Relating to the requirements for the renewal of a driver's license, personal identification certificate, commercial driver's license, or commercial learner's permit for a sex offender.
Relating to an optional blood type designation on a driver's license, personal identification certificate, or commercial driver's license or learner's permit.
Relating to making certain voluntary contributions when applying for a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or personal identification certificate.
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.
Relating to adding a designation on a person's driver's license or commercial driver's license indicating that the person is licensed to carry a handgun.
Relating to the requirement of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States for issuance of a driver's license, personal identification certificate, commercial driver's license, or commercial driver learner's permit.
Relating to the creation of a Texas resident driver's permit, provisional Texas resident driver's permit, and Texas resident driver's instruction permit; authorizing fees; creating an offense.
Relating to the enforcement of state and federal laws governing immigration by certain governmental entities and the administration of certain documentation of citizenship status and other lawful admittance by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas.
Relating to the proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States for issuance of a driver's license, personal identification certificate, or commercial driver's license.
Relating to the expiration date of a driver's license, personal identification certificate, commercial driver's license, or commercial driver learner's permit issued to a sex offender; increasing a fee.
Relating to the regulation of driver's licenses and personal identification certificates by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas, including enforcement measures against fictitious or fraudulently obtained licenses or certificates; providing a criminal penalty.