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HB3033

Regular Session

Relating to a grant program for nonprofit organizations supporting employees of the Department of Public Safety; authorizing voluntary contributions.

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-06-20
HB3033
Relating to a grant program for nonprofit organizations supporting employees of the Department of Public Safety; authorizing voluntary contributions.
Low Urgency
Unanimous Passage
House Vote145 - 0
YEA
100% in favor145 voting
Senate Vote31 - 0
YEA
100% in favor31 voting
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-06-20
Enforcing Agencies
Comptroller of Public AccountsDepartment of Public Safety
Primary Author: Rep. Tom Craddick
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: June 20, 2025 (Law is currently in effect).
  • Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2026 (Date when DPS application forms must include the donation option).
  • Agency Rulemaking: The Department of Public Safety (DPS) must establish grant application procedures and eligibility criteria prior to January 1, 2026. Nonprofits intending to apply for funds must monitor the *Texas Register* during Q3/Q4 2025 for these rules.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Update Expense Policies: Explicitly state whether the company will reimburse voluntary charitable contributions made during CDL/DL renewals.
  • 2. Audit Contracts: Ensure standard employment contracts for drivers do not inadvertently contract the company to pay for voluntary donations.
  • 3. Monitor Rulemaking (Nonprofits only): Assign a development officer to track DPS rulemaking in Q3 2025 to secure early access to the grant application process.
  • 4. Communicate to Drivers: Issue a memo prior to January 2026 informing drivers that while they are free to donate, the company will only reimburse the base renewal fee.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Employment Agreements: Review "Tools of the Trade" or licensure reimbursement clauses for CDL holders. If contracts state the company covers "all fees associated with licensure," amend language to specify "mandatory statutory fees only" to exclude voluntary charitable contributions.

Hiring/Training

  • Finance/Accounts Payable: Train staff to audit DPS receipts submitted for reimbursement after January 1, 2026. They must identify and flag the "Voluntary Contribution" line item to ensure it aligns with company policy.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Nonprofit Grant Recipients: Organizations receiving these funds must segregate them in financial ledgers. These funds are subject to audit by the Comptroller and are restricted to specific uses (assistance to DPS employees/families).
  • Corporate Tax: Employers reimbursing these fees must separate the licensure fee (business expense) from the contribution (potentially non-deductible or charitable contribution) in internal tax records.

Fees & Costs

  • Voluntary Fee: A minimum of $3.00 per applicant.
  • Budget Impact: Negligible for employers with strict reimbursement policies; potentially cumulative for large fleets with loose policies regarding "incidental" fees.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • Grant Eligibility Criteria: The law grants DPS broad authority to define which nonprofits qualify. It is currently unclear if general law enforcement associations qualify or only those exclusively serving DPS.
  • "Reasonable Expenses": DPS is authorized to deduct administrative costs before remitting funds. The percentage of the donation that actually reaches the nonprofit sector is currently undefined and will be determined by internal DPS accounting protocols.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Feb 19, 2025
Passed House
May 7, 2025
Passed Senate
May 20, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
TopicsCharitable & Nonprofit OrganizationsCrimesCrimes--against PersonsCrimes--against Persons--sexualState FinancesState Finances--management & ControlVehicles & TrafficVehicles & Traffic--driver's LicensesIdentification CardsPublic Safety, Department of
03

House Authors

Rep. Tom CraddickRepublican · Primary Author
Joint Authors

Senate Sponsors

Cosponsors (1)

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

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More from Rep. Tom Craddick

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB3033

Q

What does Texas HB3033 do?

HB3033 mandates a new voluntary contribution option on all Texas Driver’s License, CDL, and Personal ID applications starting January 1, 2026. While primarily administrative for the state, companies reimbursing licensure fees must immediately update expense policies to distinguish between mandatory statutory fees and these new voluntary donations to avoid unintended costs. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: June 20, 2025 (Law is currently in effect).

Q

Who authored HB3033?

HB3033 was authored by Texas Representative Tom Craddick during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB3033 signed into law?

HB3033 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB3033?

HB3033 is enforced by Comptroller of Public Accounts and Department of Public Safety.

Q

How urgent is compliance with HB3033?

The compliance urgency for HB3033 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB3033?

The cost impact of HB3033 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB3033 address?

HB3033 addresses topics including charitable & nonprofit organizations, crimes, crimes--against persons, crimes--against persons--sexual and state finances.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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