This bill proposes updates to 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. Specifically, if an applicant elects to show this mark and provides satisfactory proof of their tribal enrollment, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) must permit the mark on the license. The bill clarifies that the distinguishing mark cannot identify a specific tribe or include other personal information from the proof documents. Acceptable proof includes an enhanced tribal card, a tribal identification card, a tribal certificate of Indian blood, or a tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs affidavit of birth.

Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to the language surrounding the issuance of licenses, ensuring that the process used by ADOT minimizes the potential for photo alteration or superimposition. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026. 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