Texas House Bill HB4191

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the renewal, expiration, and suspension of driver's licenses; increasing a fee.

Impact

In addition to renewal provisions, HB 4191 enacts a new fee structure for renewing licenses that have been expired for more than 90 days, imposing an additional $20 fee. It aims to streamline the renewal process but also suggests a revenue-generating aspect for the state through increased fees. Moreover, the bill addresses the conditions under which the Department of Public Safety (DPS) may deny renewal applications, particularly focusing on cases involving prior failures to appear in court or fulfill court-ordered payments. This could alleviate some of the obstacles faced by individuals in renewing their licenses while adding a timeframe for denying renewal based on past violations.

Summary

House Bill 4191 focuses on updating the regulations regarding the renewal, expiration, and suspension of driver's licenses in the state of Texas. The bill introduces provisions that allow individuals to renew an expired driver's license if it has not been expired for more than ten years. For those whose licenses have been expired for a period exceeding a decade, the bill requires them to follow the standard procedure for obtaining a new driver's license, similar to first-time applicants. This change is designed to provide a pathway for long-expired licenses while maintaining security through regulated processes.

Contention

Although the bill seeks to improve access to renewing driver's licenses, it may face scrutiny over the imposed fees and the implications of extending the renewal timeline. Stakeholders may raise concerns about whether the additional fee could burden low-income individuals and if the limitations on renewal timelines could potentially impact public safety by allowing individuals with expired licenses to operate vehicles. Criticism may also emerge regarding the enforcement practices relating to non-renewal due to past legal obligations, which could disproportionately affect marginalized communities.