SRC-BWC H.B. 396 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 396
77R2622 JD-DBy: Wise (Gallegos)
Criminal Justice
5/7/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, all applications for a Texas driver's license must state
the applicant's full name, and place and date of birth and must be verified
by presentation of proof of identity satisfactory to the Department of
Public Safety (DPS).  DPS sometimes requests that social security cards be
presented, because DPS uses social security numbers to track applicants who
owe child support.  However, some applicants may not be eligible for social
security cards.  H.B. 396 provides a list of acceptable alternatives or
documents that DPS may use in lieu of social security numbers to help
applicants obtain a valid driver's license.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 231.302, Family Code, to authorize an
application for a driver's license under Chapter 521, Transportation Code,
to be accompanied by certain information, including an affidavit of the
applicant stating certain information.  Requires an affidavit under this
section to be sworn to and subscribed by the applicant before a notary
public of this state and requires the affidavit to contain specific
language.  Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 521.142(a), Transportation Code, to require an
application for an original license to contain certain information and
require this information to be verified by proof of identity that is
satisfactory to the Department of Public Safety, such as a driver's license
or personal identification certificate, a passport or identity card, or a
duplicate original birth certificate or certified copy of a birth
certificate accompanied by certain other documents. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.
            Makes application of this Act prospective.