Bill Caption

Relating to driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and other identification certificates; authorizing and increasing fees.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB2478, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2021.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

HB 2478 would allow the Texas Department of Public Safety to enter into agreements with private vendors to renew driver's licenses and issue duplicate licenses (in addition to current law which allows DPS to contract with counties and municipalities for these purposes).  Under the bill, private vendors would be allowed to choose the location at which to issue licenses and conduct additional required activities, such as taking photos, administering vision tests etc.  Vendors contracted with by DPS would be authorized to collect additional fees on transactions not to exceed $10 (current law caps this as at $5). The term of an original and renewal license would be extended from six to eight years and the fee for issuance or renewal would increase from $24 to $32.

Additionally, HB 2478 would increase the fee for a commercial driver's license from $60 to $96 and increase the time to renew from 5 years to 8. Commercial driver's licenses with a hazardous materials endorsement would have a renewal fee of $60 and would have to be renewed after the first year and then every 5 years for following renewals. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action remains neutral on HB 2478. The bill would increase fees, which we would normally oppose, but the increase in fees would be offset by lengthening the time before a license must be renewed.