IA
Iowa Senate Bill SF354

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF354

Introduced
2/21/23  
Introduced
2/21/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to self-identified race and ethnicity information collected with an application for a driver's license or nonoperator's identification card.

Impact

The proposed legislation will directly impact the state's approach to managing identification records and data associated with race and ethnicity. By accumulating and reporting this information, the bill aims to facilitate analysis that could help tailor policies related to diversity, representation, and enforcement. These records would be confidential and only accessible to specific law enforcement agencies and state departments for research and statistical reporting purposes, ensuring that personal data is not misused or disclosed without authorization.

Summary

Senate File 354 proposes amendments to how self-identified race and ethnicity information is collected during the application process for driver's licenses and nonoperator identification cards in Iowa. It mandates that the Department of Transportation will request applicants to voluntarily disclose their race and ethnicity, which will be stored confidentially and not displayed on the identification cards. The intention behind the bill is to create a systematic approach to understanding demographic distributions within the state's licensed population, while also keeping the data secure and private.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SF354 may arise concerning the balance between collecting valuable demographic data and protecting individual privacy rights. While supporters argue that this data can inform better decision-making and enhance understanding of community needs, critics may express concerns regarding potential misuse of the information and the ethical implications of collecting such sensitive data. The legislation's focus on voluntary disclosure is stressed, yet questions may linger about how this process is perceived by different communities, particularly those who may distrust governmental data collection efforts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF282

Collection of race and ethnicity data on applications for drivers' licenses and identification cards authorized, and money appropriated.

IA HF2119

A bill for an act relating to driver's licenses and nonoperator's identification cards, including personal information required for associated applications, and making penalties applicable.

IA SF164

A bill for an act relating to the use of applications for state motor vehicle driver's licenses, nonoperator's identification cards, and public services as applications for voter registration.

IA HB597

Relative to race and ethnicity data on driver's licenses, and race and ethnicity data collection.

IA H0601

Applications for Driver Licenses and Identification Cards

IA H1639

Driver Licenses and Identification Cards

IA HF630

A bill for an act authorizing persons to wear eyeglasses when photographed for driver's licenses and nonoperator's identification cards.

IA SF38

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

IA SF217

A bill for an act allowing counties to collect a fee for the issuance and renewal of driver's licenses and nonoperator's identification cards to persons who reside outside the county.(Formerly SSB 1092.)

IA HF886

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.