Piling on: TPPF offers more reasons to abolish Driver Responsibility Program

The Texas Public Policy Foundation's Jeanette Moll says that,"Contrary to the original intent, the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) in Texas is actually making Texas roads less safe." Noted Moll, "Ironically, the “Driver Responsibility Program” created 1.2 million more highly irresponsible drivers." Read their issue brief, which in conjunction with the recent report (pdf) from the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, mentioned in this Grits post, provides ample reason for the Legislature to abolish the program.

The fact that the surcharge could be abolished without affecting payouts to hospitals until 2019 puts a whole new spin on things. That would give the Lege plenty of time to figure out an alternative funding source, particularly since there will be many adjustments between then and now to how uncompensated care is funded thanks to the implementation of Obamacare, for good or ill. The coming era of transition for hospital financing is as good an opportunity as any to wean them off the DRP surcharge teat.