HB1135
To Allow The Issuance Of A Digitized Identification Card; To Amend The Law Concerning The Fee For Issuance Of A Digitized Driver's License Or Digitized Identification Card; And To Declare An Emergency.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes to amend existing Arkansas law regarding digitized identification. It would allow for the issuance of digitized state identification cards in addition to digitized driver's licenses, which were authorized by previous legislation. The Office of Driver Services would be empowered to charge a fee, not exceeding ten dollars, for the issuance of either a digitized driver's license or a digitized identification card. This fee would be in addition to existing fees for physical licenses or identification cards. The digitized versions are defined as data files stored on a mobile device, containing the same information as the physical card and reflecting the current status of the license or identification. The bill clarifies that a simple digital copy or photograph of a physical card will not be considered a valid digitized version. It also specifies that the display of a digitized license or identification does not grant permission for searches of other data on the mobile device and that law enforcement officers must promptly return the device after verification. Public and private entities may accept these digitized versions for state purposes. The bill declares an emergency to allow for immediate implementation, stating it is necessary for citizens to have access to digitized identification at minimal cost.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be Arkansas residents who desire the convenience of carrying a digital version of their driver's license or state identification card on their mobile devices. This includes individuals who wish to reduce the number of physical cards they carry or who find it easier to access their identification digitally. The Office of Driver Services, and by extension the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration, would also benefit from the collection of additional fees to cover administrative costs associated with the digitized system. Public and private entities could also benefit from a streamlined process of identity verification through digital means.
Who Might Suffer?
Individuals who do not own or regularly use a smartphone, or who are not comfortable using mobile applications for official identification, may be negatively impacted as they would not be able to obtain or utilize the digitized version of their identification. Additionally, individuals who already find existing fees for driver's licenses and identification cards burdensome might be negatively impacted by the additional ten-dollar fee for the digitized option, even if it is optional. There is also a potential for negative impact on those who may experience technical difficulties with the mobile application or the digitization process, leading to an inability to access their identification when needed.