Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB2763

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to an exemption for the denial of driver's license renewal for violations of local ordinances concerning solid waste and heavy trash.

Impact

If enacted, HB2763 would represent a significant shift in how local ordinances affect individuals' ability to renew their driver's licenses. By exempting solid waste and heavy trash violations from the renewal denial process, it reduces the punitive measures linked to these local regulations. This could improve public compliance with solid waste management ordinances, as individuals would no longer be facing the added consequence of losing their driving privileges for such infractions. The amendment may lead to adjustments in enforcement priorities at the local level, where ordinances on solid waste may now be treated with less severity from a license renewal perspective.

Summary

House Bill 2763 aims to amend the Transportation Code, specifically regarding the denial of driver's license renewal. Under the current law, the renewal can be denied if a person has failed to appear for a citation related to various offenses. However, this bill proposes an exemption that prevents renewal denial for violations stemming from local ordinances regarding solid waste and heavy trash. The intent is to alleviate the consequences individuals might face for non-compliance with local regulations about waste management, which could impact their ability to maintain their driver's licenses.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB2763 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for social justice and accessibility. Proponents of the bill argue that it promotes fairness by acknowledging that denying a driver's license renewal for local ordinance violations can disproportionately impact low-income individuals who may struggle with administrative issues related to their local municipalities. Conversely, there may be concerns from local governments regarding their ability to enforce waste management ordinances effectively, fearing that this law could undermine their efforts to ensure community cleanliness and compliance with local environmental laws.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the enforcement of local ordinances and their interaction with state law. Some legislative members may argue that this bill undermines local authority by preemptively protecting individuals from such municipal regulations related to public health and safety concerns. Critics could express that the bill might unintentionally encourage neglect towards waste management duties, as the implications of failing to adhere to local ordinances would no longer include the loss of a fundamental civic right—the ability to drive. Hence, the discussion may highlight the balance between individual rights and community responsibilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2413

Relating to the renewal, expiration, and suspension of driver's licenses.

TX HB4380

Relating to the renewal, expiration, and suspension of driver's licenses; increasing a fee.

TX SB270

Relating to the renewal, expiration, and suspension of driver's licenses; increasing a fee.

TX HB291

Relating to occupational driver's licenses and to the renewal of driver's licenses.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB478

Relating to the administration of the motorcycle operator training and safety program and requirements for the issuance of certain driver's licenses and commercial driver's licenses; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.

TX HB4074

Relating to prohibiting the denial of a driver's license renewal for failure to appear in court, failure to pay a fine or cost, or failure to satisfy a judgment.

TX SB2050

Relating to prohibiting the denial of a driver's license renewal for failure to appear in court, failure to pay a fine or cost, or failure to satisfy a judgment.

TX SB1281

Relating to prohibiting the denial of a driver's license renewal for failure to appear in court, failure to pay a fine or cost, or failure to satisfy a judgment.

TX HB1598

Relating to local government and other political subdivision regulation of certain solid waste facilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.