Texas House Bill HB2708

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the qualifications for teaching a driver education course.

Impact

The implications of HB 2708 on state laws revolve around the establishment of specific criteria under which parent-taught driver education courses can be approved. This legislation specifies that those intending to teach a driver education course must have held a valid driver's license for the previous three years without any relevant offenses affecting their driving record. Additionally, the bill requires that students complete a minimum number of both classroom and behind-the-wheel training hours, which aims to maintain a standard of education despite the course being taught outside of a formal driving school environment.

Summary

House Bill 2708 focuses on the qualifications required for individuals teaching a driver education course in Texas. The bill amends the Transportation Code to allow parents, stepparents, foster parents, legal guardians, step-grandparents, or grandparents of a person required to complete a driver education course to conduct such a course. This initiative promotes parent involvement in driver education and aims to provide flexibility for families seeking to fulfill this requirement at home, thereby increasing accessibility to driver education resources.

Sentiment

The sentiment expressed during discussions of HB 2708 was largely supportive, with many recognizing the benefits of allowing parents more control over their children’s driver education. Proponents argued that this option could alleviate financial burdens associated with commercial driver education programs and provide a more personalized approach to learning to drive. However, concerns were raised regarding the challenges of ensuring that parents maintain a high standard of instruction and whether this option might lead to variations in driver competency among newly licensed drivers.

Contention

Some points of contention included the adequacy of oversight for parent-taught courses and whether allowing parents to teach their children was sufficient to ensure that all safety and procedural guidelines are upheld. The requirement that instructors not have any serious driving offenses aimed to address issues of safety and responsibility. Ultimately, the successful passage of HB 2708 reflects a balancing act between promoting parental involvement in education and ensuring that state standards for driver safety and education are upheld.