Calling it a failed program, State Representatives Larry Gonzales, Sylvester Turner and Lon Burnman are asking the legislature to support bills to eliminate the Driver Responsibility Program.  It was enacted in 2003 to provide funding for trauma centers through surcharges applied to drivers who were cited for moving violations and traffic related convictions. Failure to pay the surcharge - assessed on top of court fines and criminal penalties - results in automatic license suspension.

"While I initially supported the legislation to create the Driver Responsibility Program, I have found that over time it has  failed in its aim of collecting sufficient funds for trauma. In addition, we now have over 1.3 million Texans driving with a suspended license because they are unable to pay the surcharges," said Representative Turner.   "I recently visited with a young man in Houston who owes thousands of dollars in surcharge fees that he cannot afford to pay. His license has been suspended but he must continue to drive to work so he can continue to pay the fees and support himself. He, like thousands of other Texans are caught in a catch-22. They must drive to get to work, but they are driving on suspended licenses because they cannot afford the high surcharge fees." stated Rep.  Turner.

 Turner said he's committed to ensuring trauma centers will be funded properly, even without the funding of the program.