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Committee approves bill to ensure Real ID remains optional at driver service centers
Summary
Senate Bill 17‑83 requires standardized printed explanations and signed acknowledgement so applicants know Real ID is optional; the committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill after discussion of possible federal changes affecting voting ID.
Leader Johnson told the committee that Senate Bill 17‑83 would make clear at the point of application that Real ID is optional and would require applicants receive a standardized printed explanation and sign an acknowledgement before selecting a license type. “Applicants will receive a standardized printed explanation outlining documentation requirements, allowable uses and embedded technology for each license type before making their selection,” Johnson said.
Members discussed whether a potential federal 'Save Act' would make Real ID required for voting in some future scenarios; Johnson said that would be up to federal action and that the state would need to respond accordingly. Committee members thanked the Department of Safety for cooperation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed and goes to the calendar (committee reported seven ayes, one no).
The bill does not change identification processes for applicants who want Real ID; sponsors said it creates a clear record of informed consumer choice and requires the department to post a prominent notice on its website. Implementation details — such as standardized language and the form of the signed acknowledgement — were not specified in the committee discussion and will be handled in the department and drafting process.
