Committee advances mobile driver’s license bill after debate on security and voting use

The House Transportation and Defense Committee voted to send House Bill 78 to general orders with a committee amendment prohibiting the use of an electronic driver’s license for identification at polling places. Representative Jim Petzke offered the substitute motion that the bill be sent to general orders with a specific committee amendment to add language to the Idaho Code excluding an electronic driver’s license or identification card issued under the bill from being used for voting identification; the motion carried on a roll-call vote.

Sponsor Representative Stephanie Mickelson (Legislative District 32) told the committee the bill authorizes an optional mobile driver’s license (MDL) but preserves the requirement that citizens carry their physical plastic card when stopped by law enforcement. Mickelson said MDL adoption nationwide has…