TITLE: Relating to the issuance of an occupational driver's license.

SUMMARY: Relating to the issuance of an occupational driver's license.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the issuance of an occupational driver's license. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 521.242, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsections (b-1), (g), and (h) and amending Subsection (d) to read as follows: (b-1) A person whose driver's license is suspended under Chapter 708 or denied renewal under Chapter 706 may apply for an occupational license by filing a verified petition with the clerk of a court: (1) in which the person was convicted for an underlying offense giving rise to the license suspension or denial; or (2) with whose order to pay or satisfy a judgment ordering payment of a fine and cost the person failed to comply, giving rise to the license denial. (d) A petition filed under Subsection (b) or (b-1) must state that the petitioner was:(1) convicted in that court for an offense under the laws of this state;or (2) ordered by that court to pay or satisfy a judgment ordering payment of a fine or cost.(g) A court shall notify a person at sentencing that the person may be entitled to an occupational license if: (1) the person's driver's license is automatically suspended following the conviction; (2) the person's driver's license is suspended for failure to pay surcharges associated with the conviction under Chapter 708; or (3) the person's driver's license is denied renewal under Chapter 706 for failure to pay or satisfy a judgment ordering the payment of a fine and cost in the manner ordered by the court. (h) Each justice and municipal court shall provide a standard petition form that a person may complete and file with the clerk to apply for an occupational license. The form must include instructions for obtaining a waiver of the application fee for persons who are unable to pay. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.