WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 78

An act relating to the use of the Australian ballot system in local elections

2025-2026 Regular Session

Authorizes ITD to issue electronic driver’s licenses and eIDs stored in mobile wallets; creates programs and rules, and excludes eDL/eID from poll ID options via emergency clause.

House message: Governor approved bill on February 13, 2025
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 78

Summary — H 78 (2025): Electronic Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards

Status: Introduced Jan 29, 2025; Passed House (as amended) Mar 11, 2025 — vote 37–33; referred to Senate. Bill includes an emergency clause and provides effective dates.

Main purpose

Authorize the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to issue electronic driver’s licenses (eDLs) and electronic identification (eID) cards that are stored in a credential holder’s mobile phone wallet application, and to establish programs and statutory authority for those electronic credentials.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends multiple provisions in Title 49 and related law to recognize and integrate electronic credentials:
    • Revises definitions in Section 49-105 to explicitly include an “electronic driver’s license.”
    • Amends Section 49-315 and Section 49-316 to allow issuance and use of electronic driver’s licenses.
    • Adds Section 49-315A (new) to establish an Electronic Driver’s License Program (program details to be implemented under ITD authority).
    • Amends Section 49-322 to provide for cancellation procedures applicable to electronic driver’s licenses.
    • Amends Section 49-2444 and adds Section 49-2444A to establish an Electronic Identification Card Program for eID cards.
  • Election-identification amendment (House Amendment by Rep. Mickelsen):
    • Amends Section 34-1113 (Identification at the polls) to require voters to present one of enumerated IDs but explicitly excludes electronic driver’s licenses or electronic identification cards issued under Sections 49-315A or 49-2444A from acceptable forms of voter ID at polling places. Acceptable IDs continue to include physical Idaho driver’s license/ID card, U.S. passport or federal photo ID, tribal ID with photo, and certain concealed carry licenses.
  • Emergency clause: bill declares an emergency and provides effective dates (text indicates immediate/expedited implementation mechanics but specific dates are set in the bill).

Who is affected

  • Idaho Transportation Department — gains statutory authority to develop and operate eDL/eID programs.
  • Idaho residents who hold or apply for a driver’s license or state ID — will be able to obtain electronic versions stored on mobile devices (subject to program rules).
  • Law enforcement, licensing agencies, and other entities that accept state IDs — will need to accommodate verification of electronic credentials and manage cancellation/validation processes.
  • Voters who might plan to use only electronic credentials at the polls — the enacted amendment excludes eDL/eID from acceptable poll identification.

Fiscal impact

Per the bill’s fiscal note, ITD already has budget allocations for projects of this nature; the legislation is reported to have no additional fiscal impact.

Legislative history / next steps

  • Introduced and printed Jan 29, 2025; referred to Transportation & Defense Committee.
  • Reported out and amended in committee; read and amended on the House floor.
  • Passed the House on Mar 11, 2025 (37–33) and sent to the Senate for further consideration.

Notes: The bill sets statutory authority and program structure; technical details (security standards, voluntary vs. mandatory issuance, verification mechanisms, privacy protections, and operational rules) will be defined in ITD rulemaking or program implementation documents following enactment.

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

Sign in to ask a question.