Texas Senate Bill SB1785

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/30/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/21/09

Caption

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.

Impact

The enactment of SB1785 will likely have significant implications for state laws governing the issuance of driver's licenses and identification certificates. By mandating a clearer verification process for establishing residency, the bill aims to reduce instances of fraud related to licenses that may be fictitiously obtained. The inclusion of a formal process for evaluating documentation to verify a claimed domicile, as well as the prohibition against using a post office box as the primary address for license issuance, reflects a shift toward more stringent control measures within state law. Furthermore, the bill outlines criminal penalties for participating in or aiding in the manufacture of counterfeit identification documents, emphasizing Texas's commitment to combatting identity-related crimes.

Summary

SB1785 focuses on the regulation of driver's licenses and personal identification certificates in Texas, aiming to enhance the procedures under which these documents are issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). One of the central provisions of the bill is the establishment of a domicile requirement, meaning that individuals seeking to obtain a license or identification certificate must demonstrate that they have established a permanent residence in the state. This regulation is intended to ensure that individuals do not misuse licenses by claiming temporary residency status. The bill also stipulates that no identification may be issued to those who cannot prove their domicile, thereby tightening regulations surrounding identity verification for applicants.

Contention

Though the bill is primarily framed as a measure to strengthen verification processes, it has faced scrutiny and points of contention regarding the potential burdens it may impose on residents seeking ID documentation. Critics argue that the domicile requirement could disenfranchise individuals who may face challenges in providing adequate proof of residence, such as transient populations or those living in unstable conditions. Additionally, there are concerns surrounding the increased reliance on third-party verification services, which may raise issues of privacy and data security. Overall, while supporters assert that these measures are crucial for maintaining the integrity of state identification processes, opponents caution that the approach may inadvertently restrict access to essential documents for vulnerable populations.