Relating to a grant program for nonprofit organizations supporting the Department of Public Safety; authorizing voluntary contributions.
Impact
The implementation of SB2190 is expected to have a positive impact on state laws relating to the DPS. By establishing a systematic way for individuals to contribute directly via their driver's license applications, the bill recognizes the potential for community involvement in supporting law enforcement and public safety efforts. The contributions collected through this mechanism will be deposited into a dedicated account, ensuring that they are used explicitly for supporting the DPS and its affiliated organizations.
Summary
SB2190 introduces a grant program designed to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations that assist the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Texas. The bill allows individuals applying for original or renewal driver's licenses and commercial driver's licenses to voluntarily contribute a minimum of $3 towards this grant program. The initiative aims to facilitate the funding of various supporting activities for the DPS and is geared towards enhancing the support services offered to its employees as well.
Contention
While the bill facilitates voluntary contributions, there may be some concerns regarding the nature of such contributions. Critics may argue that adding a contribution option could inadvertently pressure individuals applying for essential services, such as driver's licenses, to provide additional financial support to the Department of Public Safety. However, proponents contend that these contributions are entirely voluntary and can serve as an important tool for enhancing public safety services without mandating additional funding from the state budget.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Transportation Code
Chapter 521. Driver's Licenses And Certificates
Section: New Section
Chapter 522. Commercial Driver's Licenses
Section: New Section
Government Code
Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
Identical
Relating to a grant program for nonprofit organizations supporting employees of the Department of Public Safety; authorizing voluntary contributions.
Relating to making certain voluntary contributions when applying for a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or personal identification certificate.
Relating to the issuance of Support Adoption specialty license plates and to the Support Adoption account and certain voluntary contributions to that account.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Parental Empowerment Program and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Parental Empowerment Program and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Parental Empowerment Program and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.
Relating to the establishment of the Education Savings Account Program to allow certain children to use public money to pursue educational alternatives to public schools and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.
Relating to the establishment of the Education Savings Account Program to allow certain children to use public money to pursue educational alternatives to public schools and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.