Texas House Bill HB2042

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

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.