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SF 164

A bill for an act relating to the use of applications for state motor vehicle driver’s licenses, nonoperator’s identification cards, and public services as applications for voter registration.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sandy Salmon

The bill automatically registers eligible citizens to vote through state ID and public-service applications unless they opt out, and blocks noncitizens from registering.

Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Schultz, and Winckler.
#citizenship #driver'slicenses #identification #motorvehicles #nonoperator'sidentificationcards #voterregistration #voting
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 164

SF 164 — Summary

A bill relating to using motor vehicle/identification card applications and public service applications as voter registration applications, with citizenship-based limitations.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to streamline voter registration by tying it to state-issued identity applications and public service processes. Specifically, it would require that many applications for a state driver’s license, renewals, and nonoperator’s identification cards serve as voter registration applications, unless the applicant opts out.
  • It also establishes limits on voter registration for noncitizens and delegates rulemaking to align election administration with these changes.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1 (amendment to 48A.18(1)):

    • Affects state motor vehicle driver’s license applications, including renewals and applications for nonoperator’s identification cards.
    • These applications shall serve as a voter registration application unless the applicant declines to register to vote.
    • A completed voter registration form submitted to the Secretary of State (SOS) is treated as an update to any existing registration.
    • Exception (b): If the applicant provides documentation showing they are not a citizen of the United States, the application shall not serve as a voter registration form.

  • Section 2 (amendment to 48A.19(3)):

    • The voter registration agency must provide voter registration services with every application for services or assistance, and with each recertification, renewal, or change-of-address form related to the agency’s services.
    • The Secretary of State must adopt administrative rules in cooperation with voter registration agencies to implement these requirements.

  • Section 3 (new subsection 7 to 48A.19):

    • The voter registration agency shall not provide voter registration services to a person who submits documentation showing they are not a United States citizen, in the context of applications for agency services, recertifications, renewals, or changes of address.

Who and what would be affected

  • Affected entities:
    • Iowa Department of Transportation (Office of Driver Services): handles driver’s license and nonoperator’s ID applications.
    • Voter registration agencies: including the Secretary of State and any VR agencies involved in processing voter registrations.
    • Applicants for driver’s licenses, license renewals, nonoperator’s IDs, and related public service applications.
  • Applicants:
    • Citizens: would be automatically offered voter registration via identity/service applications unless they opt out.
    • Noncitizens: would be ineligible to register under these provisions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 29, 2025.
  • Status updates:
    • Subcommittee date: February 4, 2025 (Rozenboom, Schultz, Winckler).
  • Sponsorship: Salmon (primary).
  • Administrative rulemaking: Requires SOS to adopt rules in coordination with VR agencies to implement the registration requirements.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Voter rolls and participation:
    • Likely expansion of automatic voter registration through ID/service applications, potentially increasing registration rates.
  • Citizenship documentation:
    • Clear prohibition on registering noncitizens, aligning with the citizenship requirement for voting.
    • Practical implications include proof of citizenship requirements at the point of registration via these processes.
  • Administrative coordination:
    • Increased collaboration between the DOT, SOS, and VR agencies for data sharing and rule implementation.
  • Privacy and opt-out:
    • While registration is automatic unless declined, individuals can opt out; the bill also specifies handling of updates to existing registrations.

Summary

SF 164 would make most state driver's license/ID applications and related public service applications automatically serve as voter registration applications, unless the applicant declines or provides noncitizen documentation. It requires ongoing voter registration services with agency applications and updates, and it directs the Secretary of State to issue implementing rules in conjunction with VR agencies. It also adds a prohibition on providing VR services to noncitizens. The bill is in subcommittee as of early February 2025, with primary sponsor Salmon.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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