HB 1243-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/12/97)

     Requires the department to enter into a contract for the procurement of a new state driver's license and identicard with the following features:  (1) A central issuance system;

     (2) a digital imaging system;

     (3) machine-readable technologies, including a one-dimensional bar code, two-dimensional bar code, and a magnetic stripe;

     (4) an electronic finger image identification system;

     (5) a fusion or trimodal optical variable device that is not readily available to the general public; and

     (6) a second picture of the card holder printed on the license or identicard in ultraviolet ink.

     Allows every person applying for an original, renewal, or duplicate driver's license to submit to an electronic finger scan.

     Directs the department to maintain a finger image data base consisting of all finger images obtained by the department for use in issuing driver's licenses and identicards.

     Authorizes the department to allow fingerprints found at a crime scene to be compared to the department's finger image data base when an official government enforcement agency receives a court order directing the comparison.

     Declares that, beginning October 1, 2000, the federal illegal immigration control act, P.L. 104-208, requires states to either place drivers' social security numbers on the face of their licenses, or to complete a social security verification process.  The legislature finds that requiring the placement of social security numbers on drivers' licenses means that whenever someone shows his or her driver's license, the person will also be exposing his or her social security number.

     In order to prevent fraud and curtail invasions of privacy, the governor, through the department of licensing, shall seek a waiver to the federal mandate.  If a waiver is not granted, the department shall rely only upon the verification process prescribed in the federal law.  In no event may the social security number be placed on the driver's license or identicard.  Additionally, the department shall not maintain a record of applicant or licensee social security numbers in its computer data bases.