Requires that student identification cards issued by certain postsecondary education institutions meet certain requirements (Item #42)
Impact
By requiring student identification cards to comply with voter ID requirements, HB 48 impacts the way institutions manage and issue student IDs. This change is intended to reduce barriers to voting for students who may not possess other forms of identification. The provisions of the bill will come into effect for new IDs issued after January 1, 2023, meaning that existing cards will remain valid without reissuance solely for compliance purposes.
Summary
House Bill 48 aims to amend the existing laws governing student identification cards issued by certain postsecondary education institutions in Louisiana. Specifically, it mandates that these identification cards include elements that are required for voter identification. The bill was proposed with the intent to streamline the process for students to engage in the voting process by ensuring that their student IDs meet the necessary specifications set forth in state law.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 48 appears to be positive, particularly among proponents who view the bill as a step forward in facilitating civic participation among students. The unanimous support during the Senate vote, with 33 yeas and no nays, indicates a strong consensus among legislators regarding the importance of making it easier for students to vote. However, some concerns may exist regarding the implementation of new ID standards and their potential impact on students already holding valid identification cards.
Contention
While there seems to be broad support for the idea of aiding student voters, potential contention could arise around the practical considerations of implementing these requirements. Institutions may face challenges in ensuring that all elements required for voter identification are included without excessive burden or costs. Furthermore, discussions regarding the adequacy of student IDs as a sole form of identification may surface, as some may argue that additional options should be made available to ensure that all students can participate in elections.
Requires that student identification cards issued by public postsecondary education institutions meet certain requirements (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requiring postsecondary educational institutions to indicate when a student's identification issued by such institution cannot be used for voting purposes.
Public postsecondary institutions requirement to keep certain student information private establishment; consent requirement before collecting student location data