The bill amends the Transportation Code to provide a defense against prosecution for driving with an expired license. It specifies that a person charged can defend themselves if they present a driver's license that was valid at the time of arrest or expired no more than 60 days prior, provided they can also show confirmation of a scheduled appointment to renew the license before the arrest. This change aims to offer leniency for individuals who have made efforts to maintain their driving privileges.

Additionally, the bill allows judges to dismiss charges of driving with an expired license if the defendant remedies the situation within 60 working days or before their first court appearance, whichever is later, replacing the previous timeframe of 20 working days. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 521.025, Transportation Code 521.026 (Transportation Code 521)