85R1323 AAF-D
By: Canales H.B. No. 347
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of a pilot program for the issuance of
digital identification.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle B, Title 7, Transportation Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 526 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 526. DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION PILOT PROGRAM
Sec. 526.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Department" and "driver's license" have the
meanings assigned by Section 521.001.
(2) "Digital identification" includes digital
driver's licenses and digital personal identification
certificates.
Sec. 526.002. DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION PILOT PROGRAM. (a)
If funds are appropriated for the purposes of this chapter, the
department by rule shall establish a pilot program for the issuance
of digital identification.
(b) In establishing the digital identification pilot
program, the department shall:
(1) assess existing department infrastructure and
identify changes required to implement the program;
(2) upgrade department infrastructure according to
the department's findings under Subdivision (1);
(3) create a mobile application that:
(A) displays digital identification on a
wireless communication device; and
(B) includes an authentication and verification
process for a wireless communication device;
(4) deploy the digital identification mobile
application to department users for testing and evaluation; and
(5) on department approval, expand the deployment of
the digital identification mobile application to a small volunteer
group consisting of members of the public and implement a law
enforcement version of the application for field testing.
(c) The department may contract with another person to
establish the pilot program described by this section.
(d) The department shall prepare a report containing the
results of the pilot program and the department's recommendations.
The department shall submit the report to the Public Safety
Commission and the legislature not later than January 1, 2019.
Sec. 526.003. EXPIRATION. This chapter expires September
1, 2019.
SECTION 2. The Department of Public Safety shall adopt the
initial rules for the digital identification pilot program under
Chapter 526, Transportation Code, as added by this Act, not later
than December 1, 2017, if funds are appropriated for the purposes of
this chapter by an Act of the 85th Legislature, Regular Session,
2017.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2017.