The bill amends Section 31-10-26 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-10, which pertains to the issuance of operator’s and chauffeur’s licenses. The bill specifies that the division of motor vehicles shall issue licenses to all qualifying applicants, including current or past recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, provided they can show evidence of having received the grant. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision for the issuance of special licenses to those who wish to donate tissue or organs, in accordance with the Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. It also includes a new provision that allows law enforcement officers, members of the Rhode Island judiciary, and certain judiciary employees recommended by the chief justice to have their official business address on their license instead of their residence address.

The bill also outlines various other aspects of licensing, such as the design and information contained on the license, the issuance of a "first license" for new drivers, the process for those under the age of 21, and restrictions for those required to have an ignition interlock system. It limits access to digitized information on the license for non-governmental entities and establishes civil liability for unauthorized use of such information. Social security and tax identification numbers are to be collected only as required by federal law and are not to be displayed on the license. Importantly, the bill clarifies that the issuance of a Rhode Island operator’s license to DACA recipients does not confer the right to vote in the state. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7578  SUB A: 31-10-26
7578: 31-10-26