DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 30 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Bacala
Abstract: Provides that a U.S. military identification card that contains the person's name and
picture may be used at the polls to vote.
Present law (R.S. 18:562 and 1309) requires election officials to establish the identity of a person
who seeks to vote at a polling place during early voting or on election day. Requires the person to
present a La. driver's license, a La. special identification card issued pursuant to present law (R.S.
40:1321), or other generally recognized picture identification card that contains the name and
signature of the person.
Proposed law retains present law. Adds to the acceptable forms of identification a U.S. military
identification card that contains the person's name and picture.
Present law provides that if the person does not have such identification, the person shall complete
and sign an affidavit, which is supplied by the secretary of state, to that effect before the
commissioners. Provides that a person who votes without the required identification is subject to
challenge pursuant to present law (R.S. 18:565 and 1315).
Proposed law retains present law.
Effective Jan. 1, 2020.
(Amends R.S. 18:562(A)(2) and (C) and 1309(D)(1))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental
Affairs to the original bill:
1. Provide that proposed law is effective Jan. 1, 2020.