HB 679 Enacts provisions relating to driver's license renewals

     Handler: Hough

Current Bill Summary

- Prepared by Senate Research -


HCS/HB 679 - This act enacts provisions relating to driver's license renewals.

REMOTE RENEWAL OF DRIVER'S AND MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSES (Section 32.300)

This act specifies that the Department of Revenue's online renewal system for motor vehicle licenses shall be accessible by remote kiosk.

The act also authorizes the Department to design and implement a remote driver's license renewal system which may be used through the Department's website or through self-service terminals available at one or more locations throughout the state. Any remote driver's license renewal system shall comply with federal law. A remote renewal system shall be available no later than January 1, 2021. Applicants who have previously applied in person may apply for one renewal remotely under this act. Remote application for renewal may be made up to 6 months prior to the expiration of the license, or following expiration. Remote renewal applicants shall not be required to complete the vision or highway sign recognition tests unless the Department has technology that can be used remotely for either or both purposes.

These provisions are subject to appropriation by the General Assembly.

DIGITAL DRIVER'S LICENSES (Section 32.303)

This act authorizes the Department of Revenue to design and implement a secure digital driver's license program that allows applicants to receive a secure digital driver's license in addition to a conventional card-based license. The digital driver's licenses shall be valid for the same purposes as a conventional license. The Department may contract with a third party to develop the secure digital driver's license system.

The Department shall suspend, disable, or terminate the person's participation in the digital driver's license program if the person's license is suspended, revoked, denied, withdrawn, or cancelled, or if the person reports his or her digital device has been lost, stolen, or compromised.

These provisions are subject to appropriation by the General Assembly.

This act is similar to SCS/SB 200 (2019).

ERIC VANDER WEERD


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