Let’s repeal this unjust law

Since the Driver Responsibility Program took effect in 2003, adding annual surcharges to assessed penalties for certain traffic offenses, 1.3 million people in Texas have lost their driver’s licenses because they did not understand the law or were unable to pay the repressive fines.

For several years, many lawmakers and judges have recognized that this is an unfair law, and it is hurting individuals and families.

It adds some money to the fund that aids trauma centers across the state for their uncompensated care.

Past attempts to repeal the law have failed.

But now there is a bipartisan effort led by Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, and Republican Sens. Don Huffines of Dallas and Bob Hall of Edgewood.

This time, there may be a chance of correcting an abuse that not only is unworkable but also ruins lives.

The program has been deemed unconstitutional by Williamson County Justice of the Peace Edna Staudt.

This law is bad public policy that is doing damage to many members of the public who can least afford it.

Rather than driver responsibility, we need legislators to be responsible and move quickly to strike this unjust law from the books.

This story was originally published May 1, 2015 at 8:13 PM with the headline "Let’s repeal this unjust law."