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S 1297

Relates to enacting the taxpayer voter registration act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Borrello and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey would let residents opt for a digital driver's license/ID via the MVC, with strong privacy controls, selective disclosure, and consent-based verifications.

REFERRED TO BUDGET AND REVENUE
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1297

Summary — S.1297 (digital/mobile driver’s license and ID program)

Note: The materials provided include multiple drafts and committee reports for a New Jersey bill establishing electronic driver’s licenses and identification cards (earlier called “mobile”; later drafts use “digital”). Some provided items also appear to be unrelated docket text from another jurisdiction; the summary below reflects the substantive New Jersey bill text, committee amendments, and fiscal reports included in the packet.

Purpose

Require the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and offer, on request, an electronic (mobile/digital) driver’s license and digital non‑driver identification card in addition to existing printed, hard‑copy credentials — with built‑in security, privacy, and usability safeguards.

Key provisions

  • Definitions: Establishes terms for digital driver’s license/non‑driver identification card, digital wallet, electronic device, holder, verifier, attribute authentication, selective disclosure, etc.
  • Voluntary issuance: MVC must create and issue a digital credential to any person who requests one and meets existing eligibility requirements for the equivalent printed credential.
  • Security and integrity: MVC must prescribe issuance processes and technical features to prevent alteration, duplication, counterfeiting, photographing, forging, and unauthorized access; protect personal information; and require standards for encryption/security.
  • User control & privacy:
    • Holders choose which data fields to disclose (selective disclosure / attribute authentication).
    • Digital wallets must display which data and which verifier is requesting information; holders can approve per item.
    • Logs of verification requests must be kept in the wallet and be accessible only to the holder (holder may delete entries).
    • MVC must ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.
  • Restrictions on verifiers and device access:
    • Verifiers (including law enforcement) may not require surrender or physical possession of a holder’s device.
    • Remote access to a credential requires express, real‑time consent by the holder.
    • Verifiers and digital wallet providers are prohibited from collecting, retaining, sharing, or using holder data beyond what is strictly necessary; incidental device data cannot be used to establish probable cause for searches.
  • Retention of printed credential option: Holders are not required to use the digital credential in lieu of a printed license/ID.
  • Enforcement & penalties (per later fiscal notes): civil penalties for verifier violations (noted examples: $2,500 first violation, $5,000 subsequent — enforcement mechanisms to be implemented by the Attorney General).
  • Regulatory implementation: MVC to adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the program.

Who is affected

  • New Jersey residents who hold or apply for driver’s licenses or non‑driver IDs (optional participation).
  • New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (implementation, fee setting).
  • Law enforcement, private verifiers, digital wallet and verification‑tool providers.
  • Potential impacts on privacy/security vendors and IT contractors.

Fiscal & timeline implications

  • Effective date: latest committee reprints set implementation to take effect 36 months after enactment (earlier versions set 72 months).
  • Fiscal impact: Office of Legislative Services estimates indeterminate start‑up and ongoing costs for IT development, security, maintenance, and issuance; revenues are indeterminate because MVC may set a “reasonable fee.” Example costs in other states cited (Iowa ~$3.5M estimate; Florida ~$1.8M contract) but NJ costs remain uncertain.
  • MVC may begin preparatory administrative work before the effective date; rules will be promulgated under the APA.

Procedural status (as reflected in materials)

  • Multiple committee reports and reprints (Transportation; Budget & Appropriations) with amendments; reported out with amendments; referred to Budget and Revenue in later actions. The bill has progressed through committee reviews and saw substantive amendments expanding privacy and technical requirements.

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

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