Bill: HB 838, 86(R) - 2019
Committee
House Homeland Security & Public Safety
Vote Recommendation
Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Joe Deshotel
Ed Thompson
Bill Caption
Relating to an agreement between the Department of Public Safety and a county, municipality, or private vendor for the issuance of renewal and duplicate driver's licenses and other identification certificate services; increasing a fee.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
HB 838 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).
Vote Recommendation Notes
Texas Action is neutral on HB 838. We support allowing private sector vendors to issue drivers licenses, but we oppose increasing associated fees.