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HB 247

Pub. Rec./Municipal Clerks

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jose Alvarez and 7 co-sponsors

House Bill 247 streamlines driver's license restoration by allowing electronic consent for information release and revising fees for DUI programs, enhancing accessibility.

1st Reading (Original Filed Version)
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Bill Summary · HB 247

Summary of House Bill 247

Bill Number: HB 247
Title: Motor vehicles; restoration of licenses; authorize written consent for release of certain information to be obtained and transferred electronically
Status: House Withdrawn, Recommitted
Introduced: February 04, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 247 aims to amend existing laws related to the restoration of driver's licenses for individuals who have completed defensive driving courses or alcohol and drug programs. The bill seeks to modernize the process by allowing electronic consent for the release of confidential information and revising associated fees for these programs.

Key Provisions

  1. Electronic Consent for Information Release:

    • The bill allows for the written consent required to release DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program records to be obtained and transferred electronically. This change aims to streamline the process and improve accessibility for offenders.

  2. Confidentiality of Records:

    • All records related to DUI assessments and program attendance will remain confidential and can only be released with the offender's written consent. However, certain records will be accessible to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and the Department of Driver Services.

  3. Training for Clinical Evaluators:

    • The bill mandates that clinical evaluators conducting assessments must have specific training in alcohol and drug abuse evaluation, ensuring that qualified professionals are overseeing these critical evaluations.

  4. Revised Fees:

    • The bill proposes changes to the fees associated with defensive driving courses and DUI programs:
      • Defensive driving course fees will increase from $95.00 to $125.00.
      • Assessment component fees will rise from $100.00 to $150.00.
      • Intervention component fees will increase from $235.00 to $350.00.
    • These adjustments aim to reflect the costs associated with providing these services and materials.

  5. Approval and Operation of Clinics:

    • The bill outlines the criteria for the approval of driver improvement clinics, which must provide standardized education and training programs for problem drivers.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • Individuals seeking to restore their driver's licenses after completing required programs will benefit from a more efficient process.
    • Driver improvement clinics and DUI program providers will need to adjust their fee structures and ensure compliance with new training requirements for evaluators.

  • Regulatory Changes:

    • The Department of Driver Services and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities will have updated responsibilities regarding the oversight and certification of programs and clinics.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 04, 2025: Bill introduced and entered the House Hopper.
  • February 05, 2025: First reading in the House.
  • February 06, 2025: Second reading in the House.
  • February 11, 2025: Favorably reported by the House Committee.
  • April 04, 2025: Bill withdrawn and recommitted in the House.

Conclusion

House Bill 247 represents a significant update to the processes surrounding the restoration of driver's licenses for individuals who have completed DUI-related programs. By allowing electronic consent and revising fees, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of these essential services.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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