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Mobile driver's license bill laid over after mixed testimony on privacy, security and implementation
Summary
House File 1335, authorizing voluntary mobile driver's licenses, was laid over for further review after testimony from DVS and vendor representatives supporting secure mobile IDs and privacy advocates urging more safeguards and a formal privacy review.
The committee heard House File 1335 on March 26, a proposal to authorize voluntary mobile driver's licenses (MDLs) and related electronic credentials. Representative Tapke presented the bill and the author's A1 amendment, describing MDLs as a tap-based credential similar to Apple Pay that would not require users to hand over their device.
DVS Director Peng Zhang told the committee the governor and DVS support providing customers the option to store their driver's license on a phone; Director Zhang said DVS's contractor (FAST Enterprises) had already delivered similar projects in other states and the MinDrive system could accommodate MDLs. "MDLs allow for an individual to present their ID and exchange only the necessary information," Zhang said.
Fast Enterprises project manager Joe Lohmeier described the technical safeguards in the ISO/AMVA mobile ID standards, including device-based encryption, selective disclosure (sharing only the data fields required for a transaction), and liveness checks at enrollment. Testimony from proponents emphasized convenience, privacy-by-design and TSA use cases.
Privacy and civil-liberties groups raised objections. Rich Neumeister said the bill lacks a privacy-impact assessment and recommended a broader stakeholder work group. Matt Flanders of Citizens Council for Health Freedom warned that AMVA standards and future changes could lead to a digital-only credential and flagged language about real-time involvement by the issuing authority that could create audit logs of device use; he urged opposition.
Committee members asked about costs and implementation. LBO staff said a prior fiscal note estimated special revenue costs in the low millions for initial years; Director Zhang said an updated fiscal note was in process and that the AMVA guidance recommends audit-log designs that maximize user control. Representative Tapke said the bill is voluntary and noted other states have implemented MDLs without broad problems; she sought referral to Judiciary for further review. The committee agreed to lay the bill over for additional review and for Judiciary to examine privacy and statutory issues.
