An amendment that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to obtain a permit to legally drive and purchase insurance in Texas was derailed Friday on a point of order.
Department of Public Safety
Posted in
Demographics
Bill Would Let Undocumented Immigrants Get Driver’s Permit
Members of the House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday seemed amenable to a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants a permit to drive after passing a background check and a driving test.
Posted in
Economy
Roadblocks Emerge for Transportation Funding
With less than two months left in the legislative session, some lawmakers are lowering expectations on what can get done related to funding for roads.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
After Drug Lab Scandal, Court Continues to Reverse Convictions
The Court of Criminal Appeals continued to reverse more convictions of drug offenders on Wednesday after a former employee with a DPS crime laboratory in Houston may have fabricated the results of thousands of drug tests.
Posted inState Government
DPS Changes Security Policy at Governor’s Mansion After Lawmakers Complain
Calling the old policy “stupid,” the head of the Department of Public Safety said Tuesday that congressional and state elected officials will no longer have to endure a background check to access the Governor’s Mansion.
Posted inState Government
Lawmakers Protest Security Policy at Governor’s Mansion
At least three Texas state representatives opted not to attend a reception at the Governor’s Mansion this week rather than submit to new security procedures requiring that even legislators submit to background checks to gain access.
Posted in
Transportation
DPS Centers Aim to Keep Customer Traffic Flowing
Texas Department of Public Safety driver’s license offices have a reputation for long lines and exhausting wait times for customers. But new mega centers are drastically cutting the wait time for license renewals and replacements.
Posted inState Government
Lawmakers Advocate Ending Driver Responsibility Program
Three members of the House are pushing legislation that would end the Texas Driver Responsibility Program — a program they say has been ineffective.
Posted in
State Government
Clearing Texas Rape Kit Backlog Will Cost Millions
It could cost Texas up to $11 million to clear the backlog of some 20,000 untested rape kits in police agencies statewide. If Congress doesn’t come through with funding, lawmakers here in Texas will search for funds to help solve the crimes.
Posted in
State Government
DPS Marks 10,000th DNA Match in Open Cases
The Texas Department of Public Safety announced Wednesday that it has now found suspects in 10,000 open crime investigations using a federal DNA database.
