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House backs tougher penalties for false driver’s licenses, clarifies enforcement
Summary
Lawmakers passed S.B. 167, which creates tiered penalties for false IDs and clarifies that administrative action targets the fraudulent document, not a person’s genuine license; floor debate focused on due-process safeguards and fiscal costs tied to felony cases.
The House passed first substitute Senate Bill 167, a measure that creates tiered criminal penalties for false driver’s licenses and identification cards and provides administrative tools for the Driver License Division to suspend or revoke fraudulent documents.
Representative Goodfellow summarized the bill’s structure: a Class C misdemeanor for acquiring or using a false license, a Class A misdemeanor for issuing one, and a third-degree felony where the false license is used to obtain goods or services or to further a violent felony. He also said the Driver License Division may suspend or revoke fraudulent IDs.
Representative Huer asked whether the measure would deprive individuals of due process when administrative action is taken. Goodfellow replied that due process is not removed and clarified that the administrative action would be aimed at taking the false ID out of circulation rather than removing a person’s legitimate license. The floor debate included questions about the bill’s fiscal note, which was described as increasing over multiple years (listed on the floor as roughly $34,400; $51,200; $62,200) because felony cases and associated costs could rise if prosecutions increase.
After discussion, the House voted; the clerk announced first substitute S.B. 167 had received 72 yes votes and 0 no votes. The bill will be signed by the Speaker and referred to the Senate for the President’s signature.
