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 in which the person was convicted for an underlying offense giving rise to the license suspension or denial. (d) A petition filed under Subsection (b) or (b-1) must state that the petitioner was convicted in that court for an offense under the laws of this state. (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. Section 521.2462, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows: (d) This section does not apply to a person who petitioned for an occupational license solely because the person's driver's license was suspended under Chapter 708 or the person's driver's license was denied renewal under Chapter 706. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.