(a) In this section, “transaction scan device” means a device capable of deciphering electronically readable information on a driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, or identification certificate.
(b) A person may access electronically readable information on a driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, or identification certificate for the purpose of complying with § 161.082.

Attorney's Note

Under the Texas Codes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Class A misdemeanorup to 1 yearup to $4,000
For details, see Texas Penal Code § 12.21

Terms Used In Texas Health and Safety Code 161.0825

  • Comptroller: means the state comptroller of public accounts. See Texas Government Code 312.011
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005

(c) Information accessed under this section may not be sold or otherwise disseminated to a third party for any purpose, including any marketing, advertising, or promotional activities. The information may be obtained by court order or on proper request by the comptroller, a law enforcement officer, or a law enforcement agency.
(d) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(e) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under § 161.082 that:
(1) a transaction scan device identified a license or certificate as valid and the defendant accessed the information and relied on the results in good faith; or
(2) if the defendant is the owner of a store in which cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco products are sold at retail, the offense under § 161.082 occurs in connection with a sale by an employee of the owner, and the owner had provided the employee with:
(A) a transaction scan device in working condition; and
(B) adequate training in the use of the transaction scan device.