New rules for getting drivers license start Monday
by KJCE Staff,posted May 7 2012 6:42AM
New rules for getting a Texas driver's license go into effect beginning Monday.
A last-minute addition by lawmakers to the budget bill passed last year, the rules require DPS officials to ask all new applicants for a driver’s license or ID card to present two documents showing the person's name and address to establish proof of residency in the state.
Those documents have to show a person has lived in Texas at least 30 days. Residents with less than 30 days can have that requirement waived by surrendering a valid out-of-state driver's license.
Prior to the new rules, DPS officers were allowed to ask for proof of citizenship or legal status in the country - with something like a passport or birth certificate.
Some lawmakers called the driver's license measure a way to hurt the immigrant community with possible racial profiling of Hispanics. Supporters said it's another way to combat illegal immigration.
