HF1335

This bill, H.F. No. 1335, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, proposes the authorization of electronic driver's licenses and gives the Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS) the authority to develop and regulate an electronic credential system.

Key Provisions:

1. Definitions

   • Establishes definitions for electronic credentials, data elements, credential holders, and relying parties.
   • Defines an electronic credential as a digital version of a physical credential that complies with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) and international standards.

2. Development and Rulemaking

   • DVS is permitted to contract with entities to develop the electronic credential system.
   • The system must comply with AAMVA standards.
   • DVS must adopt rules for the management, operation, and issuance of electronic credentials.

3. Issuance and Expiration

   • Electronic credentials may only be issued to those eligible for physical credentials.
   • Data used in the electronic credential must match the individual's current DVS record.
   • Electronic credentials will expire according to existing Minnesota driver's license expiration schedules.

4. Fees

   • DVS may charge a fee for electronic credentials, in addition to existing fees for physical credentials.

5. Verification

   • Entities accepting electronic credentials must authenticate them using secure methods.
   • Entities must only request the minimum necessary data for transactions.
   • Electronic credential data is subject to Minnesota's data privacy laws.

6. Privacy and Tracking

   • Entities must obtain user consent before retaining electronic credential data and must inform users of retention policies.
     
   • The system must protect user privacy and cannot track or compile data without consent.
     
   • DVS may only disclose information as required by law.

7. Acceptance and Use

   • Drivers must still carry a physical credential when operating a vehicle.
   • The electronic credential system must allow verification without the need to surrender or relinquish a personal device.
   • Drivers must provide a physical credential to law enforcement upon request.
   • Laws requiring drivers to surrender a physical license to law enforcement do not apply to electronic credentials.

Overall, this bill seeks to modernize Minnesota's driver's license system by introducing digital credentials while maintaining security, compliance, and privacy protections.