Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB2320

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

Caption

Relating to establishing a pilot program for driver education schools to administer certain driver's license examinations; authorizing fees.

Impact

The bill establishes clear criteria for the eligibility of driver education schools to participate in the program and outlines responsibilities for monitoring their examination processes. By allowing schools to administer these tests, HB2320 may help alleviate system stress on the DPS, enabling a more efficient processing of driver's license applications, thus contributing to a potentially reduction in wait times and improving overall service delivery.

Summary

House Bill 2320 proposes the establishment of a pilot program in Texas that allows designated driver education schools to administer certain driver's license examinations. The bill aims to diversify the testing venues for prospective drivers by permitting schools licensed under the Education Code to conduct specific examinations traditionally handled by the state Department of Public Safety (DPS). This could lead to increased accessibility for individuals seeking to obtain their driver's licenses, particularly in areas with limited access to DPS offices.

Contention

While the bill appears beneficial in terms of accessibility and efficiency, it may also raise concerns regarding the consistency and reliability of the testing administered by non-state entities. Critics might argue that the varying quality of education and training in different driver education schools could lead to disparities in examination quality. As such, the bill includes provisions for annual reporting and oversight by the DPS to mitigate these issues, ensuring that participating schools uphold a standard of thorough examinations.

Voting_history

The bill received broad support in the legislature, passing with a significant majority (142 yeas to 3 nays) during its third reading in the House on May 7, 2013. This strong vote indicates a favorable perception among lawmakers regarding the potential benefits of the bill, particularly in terms of improving driver education and licensing processes across the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HB3583

Relating to the licensing and regulation of youth sports programs; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing fees.

TX HB5183

Relating to educational programs for persons whose driver's license is suspended following conviction of certain drug offenses.

TX HB1869

Relating to the creation of a Texas conditional driver's permit, provisional Texas conditional driver's permit, and Texas conditional learner permit; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1188

Relating to the creation of a Texas conditional driver's permit, provisional Texas conditional driver's permit, and Texas conditional learner permit; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1980

Relating to the creation of a Texas conditional driver's permit, provisional Texas conditional driver's permit, and Texas conditional learner's permit; authorizing fees; creating an offense.

TX HB291

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

TX HB3645

Relating to requirements for the issuance of certain driver's licenses and commercial driver's licenses.

TX SB101

Relating to the creation of a limited term driver's license; authorizing fees.

TX HB3898

Relating to establishing a pilot program to provide a life skills advisor and establish a life skills circle to assess certain student behavior at public high school campuses in certain counties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.