Tennessee House Bill HB2792

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 50, Part 3, relative to digital licenses.

Impact

The implementation of HB2792 could significantly modernize the way identification is handled in Tennessee. By allowing individuals to access their driver licenses digitally, it streamlines the identification process, particularly in contexts involving law enforcement. The bill includes provisions for the department to charge a fee to offset the costs associated with the establishment and maintenance of the digital license system, which may influence the financial aspects of accessing identification for Tennesseans.

Summary

House Bill 2792 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the Tennessee Code Annotated to introduce a secure digital license system. This bill allows the Department of Safety to establish a digital driver license and photo identification system that can be accessed via a mobile application. This digital license can be presented instead of a physical license during interactions with law enforcement and is designed to ensure a valid identification format that is widely accepted.

Contention

Notably, the legislation specifies that the digital license cannot be used as identification for voting purposes. Furthermore, while law enforcement will be able to accept digital licenses, it explicitly states that the display of such a license on a mobile device does not grant permission for officers to access any other content on that device. This provision aims to protect user privacy but may also raise concerns about the functionality and trustworthiness of digital systems among both users and law enforcement officials.