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Bill

SB 1297

Driver Licenses - As enacted, prohibits the use of digital driver licenses and digital photo identification licenses for voter identification purposes; regulates the use, retention, and disclosure of data submitted by persons participating in the digital driver license system, including biometric identifiers; prohibits geolocation data from being collected for purposes of the digital driver license system; revises other provisions related to driver licenses. - Amends TCA Section 2-7-112 and Title 55, Chapter 50.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee law bars digital driver licenses from voter identification and strictly regulates biometric data collection, retention, and geolocation tracking in digital ID systems.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 297
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Bill Summary · SB 1297

Legislative bill overview

SB 1297 prohibits digital driver licenses and digital photo IDs from being accepted as voter identification while establishing data privacy protections for the digital driver license system. The bill restricts collection of geolocation data and regulates how biometric information and personal data can be used, retained, and disclosed within the digital ID program.

Why is this important

As states increasingly adopt digital identification systems, this bill addresses competing concerns about voting security/election integrity and personal data privacy. The restrictions on data collection and voter ID use reflect ongoing debates about balancing digital convenience with individual privacy rights and election administration practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Voter ID impact: Excluding digital IDs from voter identification may inconvenience some voters while potentially affecting election administration efficiency, depending on how strictly "digital" is defined versus physical alternatives
  • Digital ID adoption: The restrictions may undermine efforts to modernize identification systems and increase digital service accessibility if citizens perceive privacy risks or voting restrictions
  • Geolocation prohibition scope: Unclear whether the geolocation ban applies only to intentional collection or extends to incidental location data from authentication processes, potentially limiting system functionality

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

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