86R1048 AAF-D
By: Menéndez S.B. No. 991
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)
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) acquire a mobile application that:
(A) displays digital identification that
includes the information described by Section 521.121(a) on a
wireless communication device;
(B) includes an authentication and verification
process for a wireless communication device; and
(C) may be used in any location regardless of the
location's level of wireless connectivity or cellular telephone
service;
(4) deploy the digital identification mobile
application at no cost to focus groups for testing and evaluation;
and
(5) implement a law enforcement version of the
application for field testing.
(c) Digital identification issued under this section may
not be used or accepted as valid proof of identification.
(d) The department may contract with a third party to
establish the pilot program described by this section if the
contract is at no cost to the department.
(e) 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 the 180th day after
the date of completion of the pilot program.
Sec. 526.003. EXPIRATION. This chapter expires September
1, 2021.
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 February 1, 2020.
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, 2019.