Texas House Bill HB588

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/11/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/4/11
• Voted on by House: 4/15/11
• Refer: 2/18/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/17/11
• Report Pass: 3/29/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/24/11
• Engrossed: 4/15/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/20/11
• Report Pass: 5/17/11
• Enrolled: 5/25/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to surcharges under the Driver Responsibility Program.

Impact

The proposed legislation would alter how surcharges are handled under the Transportation Code, specifically focusing on creating more manageable payment options for licensed drivers. By instituting an advance payment option, the bill provides a strategic way to foster compliance and potentially improve road safety by encouraging drivers to settle their financial obligations promptly. The bill's changes would apply to any surcharge amounts owed for a 36-month period, signaling a significant shift in how these surcharges are communicated and paid.

Summary

House Bill 588 addresses the surcharges outlined under the Texas Driver Responsibility Program, seeking to amend current statutory provisions to provide incentives for compliance and rehabilitation for drivers assessed with surcharges. The bill allows for the option of a single up-front payment for the total amount of surcharges due over a specified period. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on drivers while enhancing adherence to the law, as it allows those assessed to pay their surcharges all at once rather than in installments over time.

Contention

While the details surrounding discussions of HB588 indicate a general support for the need to reform surcharge assessments, potential points of contention may arise concerning the administrative implications of implementing an advance payment system. Critics may raise concerns about the feasibility and effectiveness of these changes, particularly regarding whether they adequately address the underlying issues driving non-compliance with existing surcharge laws. Additionally, there may be discussions about whether the proposed incentives truly meet the needs of the affected drivers.