By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Alabamians could soon have the option to carry a digital version of their driver’s license or nondriver identification card on their mobile devices under legislation approved Wednesday by a state Senate committee.
The Alabama Senate State Government Committee unanimously advanced House Bill 110, sponsored by Rep. Ontario Tillman, D-Birmingham, which would require the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to offer digital IDs alongside traditional physical cards.
Under the bill, residents could purchase a digital driver’s license or nondriver ID for a $15 fee, contingent upon the availability of funds. The digital IDs would be accessible through an ALEA-approved mobile electronic platform and would contain the same information as a physical license.
If enacted, the legislation would allow motorists to present a digital license during traffic stops or when requested by a judge, law enforcement officer, or other authorized state or local officials. The bill explicitly states that presenting a digital ID would not constitute consent for officers to search the individual’s mobile device.
The measure also requires ALEA to implement reasonable security standards to protect the integrity of digital licenses and safeguard users’ privacy.
During Wednesday’s meeting, committee members adopted a friendly amendment addressing technical clarifications requested by ALEA. Both the amendment and the bill were approved without debate, sending HB110 to the full Senate for consideration.
Supporters say digital IDs could offer added convenience and modernization while maintaining privacy protections. Similar digital identification programs have already been adopted or piloted in several other states.