BILL NUMBER: S301
SPONSOR: OBERACKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to providing a
religious exemption for the requirement to have a photograph taken for a
driver's license or learner's permit
 
PURPOSE:
To amend section 507 of the vehicle and traffic law to allow a religious
photograph exemption.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 - Amends the vehicle and traffic law to allow an exemption for
individuals who hold genuine and sincere religious beliefs from having a
photograph taken when applying for a driver's license or permit.
Section 2 - States the effective date.
 
EXISTING LAW:
Currently, New York State requires driver's license or permit applicants
to have a photograph taken without exemption.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Some in New York State, who hold a genuine and sincere religious belief
that prevents them from being photographed; a requirement to obtain a
driver's license or permit. In today's society, the ability to drive and
travel freely is a necessity for everyday life, particularly in upstate
New York. By not offering a religious exemption, the state is unjustly
depriving them of an essential privilege. The exemption would not allow
such an ID to be used for age-restricted products, such as alcohol or
tobacco.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S1162
S.5365/A.6702 of 2021-2022 Referred to Transportation
S.4094/A.6555 of 2019-2020 Referred to Transportation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the state.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediate.

Statutes affected:
S301: 507 vehicle and traffic law