A proposed bill in the Iowa Legislature would require driver’s licenses and state identification cards to display an individual’s citizenship or immigration status. House Study Bill 37 advanced yesterday (Wednesday) through a House Judiciary subcommittee and mandates that applicants for a driver’s license or ID card, including renewals, must provide their status as a U.S. citizen or as a noncitizen authorized to be in the country. The Iowa Department of Transportation would then include this designation on the back of the issued card. Under the bill, applicants who are foreign nationals temporarily in Iowa may have the requirement to provide a Social Security number waived, following procedures established by the DOT. If passed, the bill would apply to all licenses and ID cards issued on or after the law’s effective date. Supporters argue the measure would enhance identification verification and make it easier for poll workers to determine a voter’s eligibility, while critics see it as an unnecessary or discriminatory policy. The bill advanced through the subcommittee on a 2-1 vote, with Rep. Craig Williams (R-Manning) being one of the legislators to help advance the bill. The bill now heads to the full House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Steve Holt (R-Denison). If it does make it over to the Iowa Senate, it is likely to be managed by another local legislator, Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig), who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. A link to the bill’s full text is included with this story on our website.
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