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HF886 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Voter registration information on applications for drivers' licenses and identification cards modified.

Related bill: SF38

AI Generated Summary

The bill in question, House File No. Authored by Fogelman, aims to modify the voter registration information process included in applications for driver's licenses and identification cards in Minnesota.

Key changes proposed by the bill include:

  1. Driver's License and ID Application Requirements:

    • It clarifies the format and the requirements for all types of Minnesota driver's licenses and ID cards applications including standard, enhanced cards, and REAL ID compliant licenses.
    • All applications must be signed under penalty of perjury, attesting that all information and documentation provided are true and correct.
    • The applications must emphasize that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote and provide a warning on the consequences of illegal voting, which includes penalties such as imprisonment and fines, and possibly deportation if convicted of a felony.

  2. Noncompliant License or Identification Card:

    • A revision specifies what information individuals must provide when they apply for a noncompliant driver's license or identification card. Specifically, applicants must declare their Minnesota residential address but are no longer required to demonstrate U.S. citizenship or lawful presence to obtain a noncompliant license.
    • The collected data on U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, for those who choose to provide it, will be used solely for improving the accuracy of voter registration records.

  3. Driver's License Issuance Regulations:

    • The rules for issuing noncompliant identification do not necessarily require demonstration of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, except for commercial driver's licenses, which must adhere to federal regulations necessitating proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

Thus, this legislative bill updates guidelines on the information required for Minnesota driver's licenses and ID cards applications, especially concerning eligibility to vote and the documentation necessary for various types of licenses.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification that applications must include a statement on eligibility to vote."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous interpretations requiring declaration of citizenship for noncompliant licenses."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends section 171.06 to modify requirements for drivers license applications in relation to voter registration information.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes documentation handling regarding legal presence in the U.S."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.06"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specifies that data must be used to improve voter registration accuracy."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references section 171.12 regarding the use of data collected from license applications.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts how data collected from license applications is recorded for voter registration purposes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.12"
  }
]

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