Sunset Commission Hits "Delete" on Recommendation to Close 87 Driver License Offices

A resounding protest by county officials proved successful in defeating a DPS staff recommendation to close many driver license offices. The overwhelming outcry was picked up by media across the state last week just prior to the Sunset Commission’s meeting.

Ahead of the meeting, commission members and other legislators signaled their opposition to the proposal which focused on closing “inefficient driver license offices,” many of which were the only sites located in rural counties.

As a result, the Sunset Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 30 to remove the recommendation from its final report.

The Sunset process begins with an agency self-evaluation report followed by a Sunset Commission staff report. The commission’s deliberation includes a public hearing to discuss the report and take public testimony. The commission then meets again to vote on its recommendations to the full legislature.

In its decision summary, the commission rejected the proposed closures but continued with its recommendation to transfer the driver license program from the Department of Public Safety to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles under certain circumstances.

Beware: The legislature will consider the commission’s recommendations during next year’s session, and closures as well as any other agency processes will be open for discussion.

However, you asked and they responded.

Now is the time to go back to commission members and your local legislators to thank them for standing up for your constituents.

The Commission’s next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 14-15, 2018.