TITLE: Relating to certain conditions of suspension or renewal of a driver's license.

SUMMARY: Relating to certain conditions of suspension or renewal of a driver's license.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to certain conditions of suspension or renewal of a driver's license. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 521.242(a), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) A person whose license has been suspended for a cause other than a physical or mental disability or impairment or a conviction of an offense under Sections 49.04-49.08, Penal Code, may apply for an occupational license by filing a verified petition with the clerk of a municipal, justice, county, or district court with jurisdiction that includes the precinct or county in which: (1) the person resides; or (2) the offense occurred for which the license was suspended. SECTION 2. Section 521.343(b), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) If a license is suspended under this subchapter for a subsequent period, the subsequent suspension is for one year [18 months] except as otherwise provided by a section listed in Subsection (a). SECTION 3. Section 706.004, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the department may deny renewal of a person's driver's license under this section until the earlier of: (1) the date the department receives clearance notice under Section 706.005; or (2) the second anniversary of the date the person failed to appear or failed to pay or satisfy a judgment. SECTION 4. Section 706.006, Transportation Code, is amended by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (d) to read as follows: (c) The department may deny renewal of the driver's license of a person who does not pay a fee due under this section until the earlier of: (1) the date the fee is paid;or (2) the second anniversary of the date the person failed to appear or failed to pay or satisfy a judgment.(d) The fee required by this section is in addition to any other fee required by law. SECTION 5. Section 708.152(b), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) A license suspended under this section remains suspended until the earlier of: (1) the date the person pays the amount of the surcharge and any related costs;or (2) the second anniversary of the date of suspension.SECTION 6. Section 708.154(c), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) A license suspended under this section remains suspended until the earlier of: (1) the date the person pays the amount of the surcharge and any related costs;or (2) the second anniversary of the date of suspension, whichever date is earlier.SECTION 7. Section 708.158, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: (c) Not later than the fifth day after the date the court receives information described by Subsection (b) establishing that a person is indigent, the court shall notify the department that the person is indigent for the purposes of this chapter. SECTION 8. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.