The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding nonoperating identification and driver licenses to allow for a distinguishing mark that identifies the licensee as an enrolled member of a federally recognized Native American tribe located in Arizona. This change would be effective January 1, 2026, and would require applicants to submit satisfactory proof of their tribal enrollment to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The bill specifies acceptable forms of proof, including enhanced tribal cards, tribal identification cards, tribal certificates of Indian blood, and tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs affidavits of birth.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the distinguishing mark cannot identify a specific tribe or include other personal information from the submitted documents. It also makes technical changes to the language surrounding the issuance of identification licenses and driver licenses, ensuring that the process used by ADOT minimizes the potential for photo alteration or reproduction. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the representation of Native American identity on state-issued identification while maintaining privacy regarding specific tribal affiliations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 28-3165, 28-3166, 41-601
House Engrossed Version: 28-3165, 28-3166, 41-601
Senate Engrossed Version: 28-3165, 28-3166, 41-601
Chaptered Version: 28-3165, 28-3166, 41-601