IDENTITY DATA: Requests the office of alcohol and tobacco control and the Board of Regents to study the feasibility of student identification cards being used for digital identification verification.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beth Mizell

A joint study will assess whether Louisiana college student IDs can be used for digital identity verification, including security, privacy, costs, and regs, with a report due Feb 1

Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate and sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate on 6/2/2026.

Summary of SR 176 (2026) – Louisiana

Purpose and intent

This Senate Resolution urges and requests the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) and the Louisiana Board of Regents to jointly study whether student identification cards issued by Louisiana postsecondary institutions can be used as digital identification verification.

The study would evaluate feasibility, security implications, and administrative requirements, with findings reported to the Legislature.

What the bill would do (key provisions)

Commission a joint study by:

Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC)
Board of Regents

Scope of study to include:

Technological requirements and security standards needed for digital verification.
Privacy and data-protection implications for students and institutions, plus potential cost savings.
Potential costs, funding needs, and implementation timelines.
Consultation with Louisiana higher education systems, campus security officials, relevant technology experts, and best practices from other states.
Identification of any statutory or regulatory changes required to authorize use.

Deliverables:

A written report detailing findings and recommendations to the Senate Committee on Judiciary B and the Senate Committee on Education.
Deadline for reporting: no later than February 1, 2027.

Communication:

Copies of the resolution to the commissioner of ATC and the commissioner of higher education.

Who would be affected

Postsecondary institutions in Louisiana (public and private) that issue student IDs.

Students and campus communities who rely on ID cards for access to campus services (e.g., campus facilities, meal plans, libraries) and potential future use for digital identity verification (including age verification for alcohol and tobacco purchases).

ATC and Board of Regents, which would assess regulatory, security, privacy, and operational considerations.

Procedural and timeline considerations

This is a request for a joint study, not immediate policy change.

Study metrics would cover technology standards, privacy protections, cost/implementation timelines, and any needed regulatory changes.

Reporting timeline set: February 1, 2027, to respective Senate committees.

Envisions recommendations to inform potential future legislation or regulatory actions.

Additional context

The resolution cites growing use of digital identity technologies and the potential benefits of integrating institution-issued IDs into secure verification systems, balanced against privacy and cybersecurity risks.

No immediate changes to law or policy are enacted by SR 176; it initiates a formal study to guide future decisions.