The bill amends Section 31-10-26 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-10 entitled "Operators’ and Chauffeurs’ Licenses" to make several changes to the issuance of driver's licenses. It specifies that the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 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 includes a new provision allowing law enforcement officers, members of the Rhode Island judiciary, or any judiciary employee recommended by the chief justice to have their official business address on their license instead of their residence address.

The bill also outlines that special licenses will be issued to those who wish to donate tissue or organs, in accordance with the Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. It sets forth provisions for issuing a first license, which is designated for a one-year period, after which a permanent license is issued. The bill also addresses the issuance of licenses to individuals under 21, the handling of digitized information on licenses, and the civil liability for unauthorized access to such information by non-governmental entities. It clarifies that receiving a driver's license under this chapter does not confer the right to vote in Rhode Island. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3134: 31-10-26