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
If enacted, HB 2805 would significantly affect individuals who do not possess U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency. Specifically, applicants who fall into these categories would be required to present additional documentation from the United States immigration authorities to verify their status. This change could potentially complicate the licensing process for certain individuals, limiting their ability to obtain necessary identification for various activities, such as driving or accessing government services. The bill includes provisions for the expiration of licenses based on the applicant's immigration status, further emphasizing its focus on lawful residency.
Summary
House Bill 2805 aims to amend the Transportation Code by introducing stricter requirements for obtaining a driver's license, personal identification certificate, commercial driver's license, or commercial driver learner's permit in Texas. The bill mandates that applicants must provide proof of United States citizenship or present documentation demonstrating lawful presence in the United States. Importantly, this legislation is part of a broader effort to ensure that only individuals with the proper immigration status are granted access to state-issued identification documents.
Contention
Critics of HB 2805 raise concerns about the implications of requiring proof of citizenship or lawful presence for obtaining identification documents. They argue that the bill could impose undue burdens on undocumented immigrants and lawfully residing non-citizens, potentially leading to discrimination and exclusion from essential services. Proponents, however, defend the bill as a necessary measure to enhance public safety and to ensure that state identification is not issued to individuals unlawfully residing in the United States. As the legislation addresses sensitive topics related to immigration, it has sparked a considerable debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups.
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 driver's licenses and personal identification certificates issued to legal permanent residents of the United States and refugees or asylees lawfully admitted into the United States.
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.