Legislative Update

URGENT URGENT URGENT


Please put on your website and pass along as best you can!

We received several reports of Riders from out of state moving into Texas and being required to take the Rider Training Course to renew their MC classification on their Drivers License. We called John Young at the DPS Motorcycle Rider Training Division and he informed us he was getting calls on that problem also.

By checking with the Drivers License Division we were informed that was how their Legal Staff told them SB 1967 had to be interpreted. An out of state licensee was a first time license in Texas and required proof of having taken the Training Program. We contacted Senator Carona’s Office and requested a “Letter of Intent” that stated that was not the intent of that Bill. He agreed to furnish the requested document. We were then informed that the License bureau’s Legal Staff would not accept a Letter of Intent to change their ruling.

We then contacted Representative Chavez’s office and requested the same type letter figuring to use the two letters to file a lawsuit the next time we heard of a rider moving into Texas and being told they had to take the course to renew their license. Then I recalled how well we had worked with Colonel Beckworth when he was Chief at DPS and called him. I explained the problem and he assured me he would look into the matter.

Just got off the phone with Colonel Beckworth on his return call. He informed us he had with Colonel McCraw and their Legal Staff and they would allow out of state riders to renew their license without the course.

He said they will send out a Memo to all Driver License Offices tomorrow telling them of the decision. He then asked that we clarify the Bill in the next session. I assured him it would be done.

If anyone has trouble please contact John Young at the Rider Training Course 512-424-2021 or Sputnik 512-971-6777.

MERRY CHRISTMAS