Relating to the expiration date of a driver's license, personal identification certificate, commercial driver's license, or commercial driver learner's permit issued to a sex offender; increasing a fee.
Impact
The bill's most significant change includes an increase in the application fee for driver's licenses and personal identification certificates from $20 to $80 for individuals subject to sex offender registration. This fee adjustment is intended to cover increased administrative costs related to monitoring and compliance with the registry requirements. In practical terms, this means that individuals in this category will face a higher financial burden when renewing their licenses, which could impact their accessibility to driving and personal identification.
Summary
House Bill 2042 aims to amend the existing regulations concerning the issuance and renewal of driver's licenses and personal identification certificates for individuals classified as sex offenders. It establishes that any such individual must apply in person for the issuance of their driver's license or identification certificate, and they are required to renew these credentials annually. The bill stipulates that the Texas Department of Public Safety will indicate in the records of these licenses that the individual is subject to sex offender registration requirements under Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Contention
Notably, there may be contention regarding the financial implications of these increases and the in-person application requirements. Advocates for sex offender rights might argue that the bill imposes unnecessary financial and logistical burdens on individuals seeking to comply with the law. Furthermore, the renewal requirement adds a layer of complexity for those individuals, along with potential challenges associated with annual in-person visits, especially for those with logistical or mobility issues. Discussions may arise about the fairness and effectiveness of such measures in rehabilitating sex offenders and ensuring their integration into society.
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 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 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.
Prohibits the Department of Motor Vehicles from charging certain fees for the issuance of a Real ID-compliant driver's license, commercial driver's license or identification card. (BDR 43-575)