Texas Senate Bill SB953

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/25/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/14/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/28/11
• Refer: 3/8/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/5/11
• Report Pass: 4/14/11
• Voted on by House: 5/20/11
• Engrossed: 4/28/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/29/11
• Report Pass: 5/4/11
• Enrolled: 5/21/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the conditions for granting an occupational license to certain persons, the monitoring of those persons by a local community supervision and corrections department, and the fees associated with department services.

Impact

The proposed changes would affect individuals who have had their driver's licenses suspended due to intoxication-related offenses. If enacted, the bill would introduce mandatory supervision by local community supervision and corrections departments for individuals granted an occupational license. The individuals would be required to pay a monthly administrative fee for participation in these programs, which is set to be between $25 and $60 and would be monitored for compliance with specific operational conditions.

Summary

Senate Bill 953 establishes new conditions for granting occupational licenses to individuals whose driving privileges have been suspended, particularly due to offenses related to intoxication. The bill stipulates that courts have the authority to require individuals to undergo periodic testing for alcohol or controlled substances as a condition of their occupational license. This aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that those who are granted driving privileges under special circumstances are compliant with sobriety and substance regulations.

Conclusion

Overall, SB953 seeks to tighten the regulations for occupational licenses linked to intoxication offenses by implementing stricter oversight and compliance requirements. While supporters may view the bill as a necessary step toward increasing safety and promoting responsible behavior, the financial implications and administrative burdens for individuals affected have raised concerns that warrant further legislative discussion.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB953 include concerns about the financial burden imposed on individuals who must pay administrative fees while also meeting testing and supervision requirements. Critics argue that these added costs could disproportionately impact low-income individuals. Moreover, there are apprehensions regarding the effectiveness and logistics of managing the supervisory oversight ensured by local departments, as it could increase the workload for those departments and require additional resources.