Page 34 - Final DDS_FYAnnualReport2022

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT of DRIVER SERVICES | FY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
AGENCY STRUCTURE

specialists works with customers driving permit eligibility, license also participates in agency-wide
needing special assistance reinstatement requirements, and and inter-agency projects. For
with the requirements of the ADA and Title VI matters. such projects, the Legal Team
Real ID Act, including waivers Despite the Public Health provides guidance on agreements
from the DDS administrative Emergency, the Legal Team with private vendors and other
rules. In FY 2022, 9 agency continued to perform necessary government agencies, as well
rules were finalized through duties, including training and as guidance regarding proper
the Administrative Procedures outreach to external partners. administration, storage, usage,
Act process. Furthermore, the Although many trainings remained and protection of private data.
Secure ID specialist aided a total virtual, some were conducted Overall, the Legal Team is actively
of 516 individuals in the Secure in-person. In FY 2022, 41 trainings involved in projects springing
ID Process, of which (95%) were were conducted throughout the from various divisions throughout
resolved through the Secure ID State of Georgia with 133 judges, the agency. The attorneys provide
Specialist assisting the customer 53 attorneys, and 1005 clerks real-time advice for projects
with obtaining a required attending. The Legal Team has originating from Information
document and avoiding the need scheduled weekly webinars to Technology, Project Management,
to request a rule waiver from continue training and education Regulatory Compliance, and
the board. The remaining cases for court staff. The Legal Team special projects directed by the
were presented to the Board of also participated in webinars Commissioner.
Directors as Citizen Waiver Cases. hosted by other entities. The Legal Team also provides
The Legal Team handles initial The Title VI Coordinator guidance in employment actions
appeals of non-Administrative manages the non-discrimination and responds to complaints
License Suspension (ALS) license program for the agency and is filed with the Equal Employment
withdrawals serving as counsel for responsible for investigating Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
the DDS before the Office of State complaints stemming from
Administrative Hearings alleged discrimination based
(OSAH) in contested cases under on classifications protected by
the Administrative Procedures Act Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
(APA), O.C.G.A. §50-13-1, et seq., (e.g. race, color, national origin
and as hearing officers for cases and disability). The Coordinator
that do not fall under the APA. In is also responsible for drafting
FY 2022, a total of 46 hearings relevant policies and procedures,
were scheduled before OSAH collecting, and evaluating
and 369 cases were processed statistical data, engaging in
administratively within the agency. community outreach, and
The Legal Team also provides conducting compliance reviews
extensive training to court clerks, and audits. The Coordinator also
prosecutors, law enforcement, directly corresponds with external
defense attorneys, judges, and customers.
state personnel on conviction Aside from providing advice
reporting, consequences of regarding laws that impact
moving violations, limited driver’s licenses, the Legal Team

34 GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF DRIVER SERVICES