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Committee approves optional Native American notation for Utah IDs
Summary
The committee recommended House Bill 52 favorably to the Senate floor; the optional notation would allow enrolled members of federally recognized tribes to request a generic 'Native American' marker on Utah driver's licenses or IDs, with tribal/federal document verification and no change to voting laws, sponsors said.
Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee — Jan. 22, 2026
Representative Malloy, sponsor of House Bill 52, told the committee HB 52 would allow enrolled members of federally recognized tribes to voluntarily request a generic 'Native American' notation on Utah driver licenses and IDs. Malloy said the notation is intentionally generic—"there's no tribal name, there's no official affiliation disclosed,"—and that the state would use existing tribal or federal documents for verification.
Malloy emphasized the bill does not change voting laws or create new benefits. "HB 52 does not change any voting laws," Malloy said, adding that the notation "does not establish voter eligibility" and does not collect new personal data.
Shandine Parish of the Navajo Nation Council described outreach with tribes and state agencies and said the notation could encourage Native American Utahns to apply for state identification, supporting access to services and participation in elections. "The notation would help many of our tribal members be encouraged to apply for or to register for Utah driver's licenses and identifications," Parish said.
Senator Kwan moved that the committee report HB 52 favorably to the Senate floor; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.
What happens next
House Bill 52 was reported favorably to the full Senate and will appear on the Senate calendar for further consideration.
