Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program.
Impact
The repeal of the driver responsibility program is expected to have several implications for state law and public health funding. Currently, the surcharges collected under this program contribute to the designated trauma facility and emergency medical services account. Thus, the bill necessitates an evaluation of alternative funding sources to ensure these vital services continue to operate effectively without reliance on surcharges that may hinder individuals in accessing their driving rights.
Summary
Senate Bill 661 aims to repeal the driver responsibility program in Texas, a law that imposed surcharges on individuals convicted of certain traffic offenses. The bill seeks to amend various sections of state law, notably the Code of Criminal Procedure, Education Code, Government Code, and Health and Safety Code. By eliminating these surcharges, SB661 removes a significant financial burden from offenders and reinstates a more conventional approach to traffic violation penalties.
Contention
The discussions around SB661 may focus on the balance between ensuring road safety and maintaining fair punitive measures for traffic violations. Proponents argue that repealing the driver responsibility program alleviates excessive financial penalties that disproportionately affect low-income individuals, while critics may voice concerns regarding the loss of funding for emergency services. The Legislative Budget Board is also tasked with developing funding recommendations to replace the revenue lost from these surcharges.
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.
Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.
Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.
Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to the cultivation, manufacture, delivery, and possession of marihuana and cannabis.
Relating to a study by the Texas Department of Transportation on the feasibility of charging a pavement consumption fee for the operation of certain motor vehicles on public highways.
Relating to the regulation of certain facilities and operators engaged in the motor fuel transport or export business; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a civil penalty.
Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; authorizing and increasing criminal fines.
Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; authorizing and increasing criminal fines.
Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; eliminating program surcharges; authorizing and increasing criminal fines; increasing a fee.
Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; eliminating program surcharges; authorizing and increasing criminal fines; increasing a fee.