Texas Senate Bill SB2048

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/7/25

Caption

Relating to the assumption of the powers and duties relating to driver's licenses, personal identification certificates, and other related programs, powers, and duties by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state laws, particularly affecting the regulatory approach to driver’s licensing and personal identification in Texas. By transferring these powers to the TxDMV, the legislation aims to consolidate responsibilities, which may help in reducing bureaucratic obstacles encountered by citizens when accessing these essential services. However, this also means a shift in governance, where the TxDMV takes on new responsibilities traditionally handled by the DPS, potentially changing how laws are applied regarding driver’s identification.

Summary

Senate Bill 2048 addresses the transfer of powers and duties concerning driver’s licenses and personal identification certificates from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). The bill is structured to streamline operations between these two agencies, ensuring a smoother transition and more efficient handling of related processes such as issuing licenses and identification certificates. The bill explicitly mandates that the existing personnel and resources will be utilized to implement these changes, indicating an emphasis on efficiency and resource management within the state's administrative framework.

Contention

While the bill appears to be well-structured in its goal to enhance operational efficiency, it could face scrutiny regarding the adequacy of preparations for the transfer of duties. There may be concerns about how well the TxDMV can manage the increased responsibilities and whether it will maintain the same level of service quality that citizens expect from the DPS. This transition period may also introduce potential gaps or delays in service, which stakeholders may raise during discussions.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 1001. Driver And Traffic Safety Education
  • Section: New Section

Election Code

• Chapter 13. Application For Registration; Initial Registration
  • Section: New Section

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 692a. Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
  • Section: 002
  • Section: 014

Alcoholic Beverage Code

• Chapter 106. Provisions Relating To Age
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 071

Code Of Criminal Procedure

• Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 45. Justice And Municipal Courts
  • Section: New Section

Transportation Code

• Chapter 521. Driver's Licenses And Certificates
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 601. Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 023
  • Section: 451

Government Code

• Chapter 526. Additional Powers And Duties Of Commission And Executive Commissioner
  • Section: 0357

• Chapter 540. Medicaid Managed Care Program
  • Section: New Section

Human Resources Code

• Chapter 23. Suspension Of Driver's Or Recreational License For Failure To Reimburse Commission
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 245. Release
  • Section: 0536

Family Code

• Chapter 65. Truancy Court Proceedings
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 54. Judicial Proceedings
  • Section: 0482

Occupations Code

• Chapter 1805. Sale Of Secondhand Business Machines
  • Section: 051

• Chapter 1956. Metal Recycling Entities
  • Section: 001