HB 4102: Texas Drivers Helping Texans

“It is estimated there are thousands of unexamined rape kits that have not been tested statewide primarily due to lack of funding…”

By, Staff

In June 2017, the 85th Texas Legislature passed a bill, which added two sections to the Texas Transportation Code introducing drivers to voluntary donation opportunities.  

Now customers have the opportunity to donate to the Evidence Testing Grant Program and the Ending Homelessness Fund when they renew their registration in person at the county, at participating subcontractor locations, by mail or online.

Donations made to the Evidence Testing Grant Program will go toward testing evidence collected in relation to sexual assaults or other sex offenses.

“It is estimated there are thousands of unexamined rape kits that have not been tested statewide primarily due to lack of funding,” Jeremiah Kuntz, Director of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, said.

Due to confusion over the name, those wishing to donate to the Testing Grant Program can refer to it as the sexual assault or rape kit testing. But interested individuals should clarify it with front-line personnel.

Donations made to the Ending Homelessness Fund will go to providing grants to local government to help the effort of fighting homelessness in their communities.

The donation opportunities were added to the Texas Transportation Code under House Bill 4102; the bill by was signed by Governor Greg Abbott on June 15, 2017, and went into effect on Sept. 1, 2017.