The Texas Public Safety Commission recently approved proposed changes to the Driver Responsibility Program rules.

The changes will be published for public comment in the Texas Register and then be presented adoption by the Commission, probably at the September meeting.

The proposed amnesty program:

Will apply to individuals who have been in default, and the Department will determine the time in default for each amnesty period; Reduced amount will be 10 percent of total surcharges owed, not to exceed $250;

Will rescind suspension for those who receive amnesty while payments are being made.

The proposed indigency program:

Will apply to individuals at or below 125 percent of poverty level, or with a debt-toincome ratio of at least 50 percent, using a sworn affidavit; Reduced amount will be 10 percent of total surcharges owed, not to exceed $250; Will rescind suspension for those who receive indigency while payments are being made.

The proposed incentive program:

Individuals will pay a reduced amount if all three years are paid in full; Reduced to 50 percent of what’s owed if paid within 30 days after notice; Reduced to 60 percent if paid within 60 days after notice; Reduced to 70 percent if paid within 90 days after notice; or Reduced payments for continued compliance, First year, pay 100 percent; Second year, reduced by 50 percent; Third year, reduced by 75 percent.

If approved, the programs would be phased in over several months:

The Amnesty program would be implemented during tax season. The Indigency program would be implemented immediately after amnesty, which will allow for better fiscal analysis. The Incentive program would be evaluated for implementation.

(The Driver Responsibility law, passed during the 78th Texas Legislative session, established a system to assess surcharges based on certain traffic offenses that occurred on or after Sept. 1, 2003. The 81st Texas Legislature amended the law to require a reduction for indigent individuals.)