HBA-CMT H.B. 466 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 466
By: Solomons
Public Safety
2/13/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, at the age of 15, a person who has met the requirements can
obtain a driver's license instruction permit and if the person has
successfully completed the required examination and driving test the person
may receive a driver's license upon turning 16 years of age.  Teenage
drivers are involved in more accidents because of their inexperience with
operating a motor vehicle and unsafe driving habits. Additionally teenagers
are involved in more serious accidents resulting in fatalities.  House Bill
466 requires an applicant under 18 years of age to hold an instruction
permit or hardship license for one year before applying for a driver's
license. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 466 amends the Transportation Code to prohibit the Department of
Public Safety from issuing a Class A, B, or C driver's license, other than
a hardship license, to an applicant under 18 years of age unless the
applicant has held an instruction permit or hardship license for at least
one year preceding the date of the application. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.