Texas House Bill HB35

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The bill is designed to expand the eligibility and access to driving permits for certain populations, particularly immigrants and residents without traditional identification. The Texas Department of Public Safety is tasked with implementing this new provision by creating rules for the new permits, including proof of residency and identification. The impact of HB35 could lead to a significant change in driver permit issuance in Texas, providing legal driving permissions for those traditionally underserved by existing regulations.

Summary

House Bill 35 is a legislative proposal aimed at creating two new classifications of driver's permits in Texas: the Texas conditional driver's permit and the provisional Texas conditional driver's permit. This bill seeks to address the needs of residents who may not have access to a social security number but still require a means to legally drive. Under the proposed law, these permits are tailored for individuals who have resided in Texas for at least a year, possess an individual taxpayer identification number, and have completed a necessary driver education course. The permits specifically emphasize that they are valid only as proof of identity for driving purposes and not for any other state or federal purposes.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HB35, particularly in areas related to immigration and public safety. Critics may argue that creating such permits could lead to potential misuse or abuse, complicating law enforcement efforts. Supporters, however, emphasize the importance of providing access to driving permissions for all residents, which they argue improves overall safety by ensuring that more drivers are licensed and educated about driving laws. Ultimately, the discussions around this bill will likely center on balancing safety and accessibility for a diverse population.