HB 3029 - DIGEST

Finds that the Mexican government has developed a photo identification card, known as a matricula consular, for Mexican nationals residing in the United States. The matricula consular contains the holder's photo, name, United States address, and date and place of birth. Numerous security features and checks have been added to the matricula consular.

Finds that broadened recognition of the matricula consular as a valid form of identification will serve a public purpose by promoting access to many ordinary business or government services.

Finds that broadened recognition of the matricula consular as a valid form of identification will promote important law enforcement purposes by encouraging the reporting of crimes, by increasing cooperation with law enforcement, and by avoiding efforts that law enforcement would otherwise have to make to establish identity.

Finds that recognition of the matricula consular for identification purposes only does not alter or affect the holder's immigration status, nor does it entitle the holder to services for which the holder is ineligible due to immigration status.

Encourages the government of Mexico to continue its efforts to issue secure identification to its citizens living in the United States, and to consider including additional identifying information, such as physical description, on the matricula consular.