Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
Relating to repealing automatic driver’s license suspensions for certain drug offenses.
The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time due to the timeframe in
which the U.S. Secretary of Transportation would certify that the passage of the bill would
not lead to a withholding of federal highway funds is unknown. Additionally, there is no
current data regarding the number of offenders that could complete an educational program
and pay a fee to avoid license suspension. Therefore, the fiscal implication of the bill cannot
be determined.
In 1991, the U.S. Congress passed legislation requiring states to suspend the drivers' licenses of all drug offenders or lose federal transportation funds. Under current state law, this mandate is codified and automatically suspends the drivers' license of any drug offender for six months until the individual pays a fee of $100 and takes a 15-hour course on the dangers of drug abuse. Federal law now allows states to affirmatively opt out of the automatic suspension provision.
HB 1013 would grant a 180-day grace period for misdemeanor drug offenders to take the educational course on the dangers of drug abuse, rather than make them wait 180 days after completing these requirements. Upon successful completion of the educational program and the payment of any applicable fees, the person's license would no longer be subject to suspension. This bill is contingent on the passage of SCR 10 or HCR 33.
Texas Action supports HB 1013 for promoting the principles of individual liberty and limited government. Automatic suspension of a driver's license is not always proportional to the crime, and may jeopardize employment and ability to repay court costs and fines. This bill would help mitigate this harsh and unnecessary punishment.