HBA-DMH, H.B. 454 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 454
By: Driver
Public Safety
2/27/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Alcohol-related traffic fatalities involving persons under 21 years of age
are a tragedy and a source of concern to many Texans.  In Florida, each new
driver is required to complete a traffic law and substance abuse education
course.  Since this policy took effect, the number of alcohol-related
collisions has dropped. House Bill 454 requires the completion of an
approved drug and alcohol driver awareness training program before a person
may be issued an instruction permit. 

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 454 amends the Transportation Code to authorize the Department
of Public Safety or a licensed driver education school to issue an
instruction permit to a person who has met specified  existing requirements
and who has satisfactorily completed and passed a drug and alcohol driving
awareness program that has been approved by the Texas Education Agency
under the Texas Driver and Traffic Safety Education Act. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.