H.B. No. 647 amends the Transportation Code to facilitate the removal of restrictions on driver's licenses that require holders to wear corrective lenses for vision. The bill introduces a new subsection (e) to Section 521.221, which mandates that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) must remove this restriction if the license holder provides a written statement from a licensed physician or optometrist confirming that their vision has been surgically corrected, along with the required fee. Additionally, the DPS is required to establish a process for submitting the necessary documentation and fee either electronically or by mail. However, the bill specifies that a new driver's license cannot be issued to individuals whose records indicate they are subject to registration requirements under Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The implementation of this act is contingent upon the legislature appropriating funds specifically for this purpose; if not, the DPS may choose to implement it using other available appropriations. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 521.221 (Transportation Code 521)
House Committee Report: Transportation Code 521.221 (Transportation Code 521)
Engrossed: Transportation Code 521.221 (Transportation Code 521)
Senate Committee Report: Transportation Code 521.221 (Transportation Code 521)
Enrolled: Transportation Code 521.221 (Transportation Code 521)