Texas House Bill HB2851

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/26/11
• Voted on by House: 5/4/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/12/11
• Report Pass: 4/14/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/18/11
• Engrossed: 5/4/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Report Pass: 5/12/11
• Enrolled: 5/20/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to deferral of certain surcharge payments for military personnel deployed outside of the continental United States.

Impact

The bill is intended to alleviate some of the financial stressors that military personnel may encounter due to unresolved legal issues while they are serving overseas. By deferring these payments, HB2851 ensures that active duty service members are not penalized during their deployment—a situation that could complicate their already challenging circumstances away from home. This measure demonstrates a commitment to supporting military families and acknowledges the unique challenges they face.

Summary

House Bill 2851 addresses the financial burdens faced by military personnel who are deployed outside of the continental United States. Specifically, the bill introduces provisions for the deferral of certain surcharge payments. This means that service members will not be assessed surcharges for offenses committed while deployed or prior to their deployment, effectively pausing the financial penalties during their time away. The Department of Transportation will establish a deferral program to implement these changes, creating a fairer and more supportive system for Texas military members during their service abroad.

Contention

While the discussions around the bill highlight its positive intentions, there may be concerns regarding the execution and administration of the deferral program. Potential points of contention could include ensuring that the rules established by the department are clear and accessible to all affected military personnel. Additionally, there may be discussions about how these deferral programs will be monitored to prevent any misuse or confusion regarding eligibility and the timeline of surcharges.