Relating to the payment of fees and costs associated with driver education and safety courses and driver's license examinations for certain students.

HB 3026 expands fee coverage for driver education and license exams to three specific student groups: foster youth (who were in state conservatorship on their 18th birthday), homeless youth (per federal definition), and educationally disadvantaged students. The Texas Workforce Commission will pay associated fees for qualifying students meeting these criteria, removing financial barriers to driver's license requirements. This amendment to Transportation Code Section 521.168 applies to students under age 26 who meet one of the three eligibility categories. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025. It directly affects students in these categories seeking driver's license qualifications without requiring additional state funding.