Tea party support revives Democrat’s bill to kill controversial fees (drivers license surcharges)

Sudden and unexpected support from tea party Republican state senators revived a liberal Democrat’s going-nowhere bill Wednesday, giving hope to almost 1.3 million Texans whose driver’s licenses have been suspended under a controversial state program.

Senate Bill 93 would scrap the 12-year-old Driver Responsibility Program, which tacks on additional fees for those convicted of driving while intoxicated, without a valid license or without insurance. Drivers who accumulate at least six points for moving violations also pay a surcharge.

http://www.statesman.com/news/news/tea-party-support-revives-democrats-bill-to-kill-c/nk59F/ (subscription required)