The Texas Public Safety Commission adopted proposed changes to the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) rules during their October 21st meeting. The adopted rule will be published in the Texas Register as a final rule in November, and will consist of the following reduction programs:
The Amnesty program:
• Will apply to individuals who have been in default, and the Department will determine the time in default for each amnesty period
• Will reduce amount to 10 percent of total surcharges owed, not to exceed $250
• Will rescind suspension for those who receive amnesty while payments are being made
The Indigency program:
• Will apply to individuals at or below 125 percent of poverty level, using a sworn affidavit
• Will reduce amount to 10 percent of total surcharges owed, not to exceed $250
• Will rescind suspension for those who receive indigency while payments are being made
The Incentive program will apply to individuals above 125 percent and below 300 percent of poverty level, using a sworn affidavit.
Individuals will pay a reduced amount if all three years are paid in full:
• Pay 50 percent of what’s owed if paid within 30 days after notice
• Pay 60 percent if paid within 60 days after notice
• Pay 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
The programs will be phased in over several months, with the Amnesty program being implemented during tax season. The Indigency program will be implemented immediately after the Amnesty period ends. The Incentive program will be evaluated for implementation.
The DRP establishes a system to assess a surcharge on drivers who have various moving traffic violation convictions. The Trauma Center and Texas General Revenue Funds receive 99% of the revenue collected, while the Department receives the remaining 1% for the administration of the program.