88R3217 AJZ-D
By: Canales H.B. No. 71
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of a 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 PROGRAM
Sec. 526.0101. 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. 526.0102. DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM. (a) The
department by rule shall establish a program for the issuance of
digital identification.
(b) In establishing the digital identification program, the
department shall:
(1) assess existing department infrastructure and
upgrade department infrastructure according to the department's
findings;
(2) 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;
(3) deploy the digital identification mobile
application; and
(4) implement a law enforcement version of the
application.
(c) The department may contract with a third party to
establish the program described by this section if the contract is
at no cost to the department.
SECTION 2. The Department of Public Safety shall adopt the
rules for the digital identification program under Chapter 526,
Transportation Code, as added by this Act, not later than February
1, 2024.
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, 2023.