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Committee advances bill to make civil identification cards free, AG offers comments
Summary
HB 177 (HD1) to make civil identification cards free was adopted by the committee with HD 1; the Attorney General provided written comments and DOT opposed on fiscal/operational grounds.
The House Committee on Transportation advanced HB 177 (HD1), which would make issuance and renewal of civil identification cards free of charge effective June 30, 2025. Deputy Attorney General Rachel Jordan presented the Department of the Attorney General’s written comments and said staff were available for questions. The Department of Transportation submitted testimony in opposition.
Public testimony
Several individuals testified in support, including Tulita Fai, who said an identification card is a "basic necessity" and that fees can be a barrier for people seeking services. Committee members discussed cost-sharing and county participation; Chair Skelle said the committee would adopt the attorney general’s comments into the committee report and explore cost-sharing options in follow-up.
Committee action
The committee adopted HD 1 and technical amendments for clarity, consistency and style and set the effective date placeholder to July 1, 3000 in committee drafting practice. The chair indicated she supports eliminating financial barriers but wants further work on funding implementation and county-level responsibilities; those concerns will be documented in the committee report.
Ending
HB 177 will be reported out of committee with the adopted HD 1 and committee report notes on the attorney general’s concerns and potential funding options.
