The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding nonoperating identification and driver licenses by allowing a distinguishing mark to indicate that the licensee is an enrolled member of a federally recognized Native American tribe located in Arizona. This change would be effective starting January 1, 2026. The bill specifies that applicants must elect to have this mark and provide satisfactory proof of their tribal enrollment, which can include documents such as an enhanced tribal card, a tribal identification card, a tribal certificate of Indian blood, or a Bureau of Indian Affairs affidavit of birth. The distinguishing mark cannot identify a specific tribe or include other personal information.

Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to the language surrounding the issuance of identification and driver licenses, ensuring that the process used by the Department of Transportation prohibits the ability to alter or superimpose photographs on the licenses. It also clarifies that the department will not refund any fees paid for the issuance of a nonoperating identification license when a driver license is issued. 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