SF2161

This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 171.071, Subdivision 2, regarding the requirements for photographs on driver's licenses and identification cards for individuals with medical conditions requiring head coverings.

Key Provisions:

1. Expanded Allowance for Head Coverings:

   • Currently, individuals who have experienced hair loss due to an accident, serious illness, or treatment may wear a hat or head covering in their license or ID photo as long as their face remains visible.
   • The bill expands this to allow applicants who are medically required to wear a head covering continuously due to illness, injury, or treatment.

2. Medical Documentation Requirement:

   • Applicants must provide a physician’s statement confirming:
     1. The medical necessity for continuous head or scalp coverage.
     2. That the head covering cannot be removed.
     3. Whether the condition is temporary or permanent.

3. Temporary Conditions Require Photo Updates:

   • If the physician’s statement indicates that the condition is temporary, the applicant must submit a new photograph without the head covering upon renewing their license or ID.

Purpose of the Amendment:

This bill aims to accommodate individuals who, due to medical conditions, must wear head coverings at all times while maintaining identification integrity for driver's licenses and state-issued identification cards.