The bill, H.B. No. 1976, proposes the establishment of a Digital Identification Program under Chapter 526 of the Transportation Code in Texas. This program will allow the issuance of various forms of digital identification, including digital driver's licenses, personal identification certificates, handgun licenses, and hunting or fishing licenses. The Department of Public Safety (DPS), in consultation with the Parks and Wildlife Department, is tasked with creating this program, which must include a digital identification solution that can be presented on wireless devices and includes necessary authentication and verification processes. Importantly, the bill stipulates that no fees will be charged for the issuance of digital identification.

Additionally, the bill mandates that if an applicant is eligible for a physical form of identification, they must be issued a physical version and, upon request, a digital version as well. However, it explicitly states that digital identification cannot be used for voting purposes. The DPS is required to implement the program by February 1, 2027, and may delay implementation if federal authorization is needed. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()