Senate panel hears bill to add U.S. citizenship marker to Montana driver’s licenses

Senate Bill 91, a proposal to add a visible U.S. citizenship marker (an eagle) to Montana driver’s licenses and state identification cards, was the subject of an extended hearing before the Montana Senate Judiciary Committee.

Sponsor Sen. Theresa Manzella, R–District 44, opened by saying the bill would require licenses and ID cards issued on or after Jan. 1, 2026, to display an eagle image “to signify the licensee status as a United States citizen.” She said the measure came from the Law and Justice Interim Committee and would help election administrators and agencies that distribute benefits to verify citizenship at a glance.

Supporters, including an official speaking for Secretary of State Christi Jacobson and multiple election judges and residents, urged lawmakers to pass the bill. Austin James, representing the secretary of state, called the marker a way for Montanans to “proudly display their status as an American,” and proponents who called in or arrived in person said the marker would make it easier at the polls and assist law…