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HB 1796

TO REQUIRE THE DISPLAY OF GENDER INFORMATION ON AN ARKANSAS DRIVER’S LICENSE OR IDENTIFICATION CARD.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Howard Beaty and 1 co-sponsor

Arkansas law now requires driver's licenses and ID cards to show gender as "M" or "F," aligning with identity documents and eliminating "X" designations.

Notification that HB1796 is now Act 711
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Bill Summary · HB 1796

Summary of HB 1796: Gender Information on Arkansas Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards

Bill Number: HB 1796
Title: To Require the Display of Gender Information on an Arkansas Driver’s License or Identification Card
Status: Now Act 711
Introduced: March 14, 2025
Sponsors: Representative Beaty and Senator B. Johnson

Purpose and Intent

HB 1796 mandates that all driver's licenses and identification cards issued by the Office of Driver Services (ODS) in Arkansas display the applicant's gender as either "M" for male or "F" for female. This requirement aligns the gender information on these documents with what is stated on the applicant's identity documents, such as birth certificates and passports. The bill aims to standardize gender representation on state-issued identification and eliminate the use of "X" as a gender designation.

Key Provisions

  • Gender Designation:

    • Driver’s licenses and ID cards must show gender as "M" or "F" based on the applicant's identity document.
    • The issuance of licenses or IDs with "X" as a gender designation is prohibited.

  • Identity Document Requirements:

    • Acceptable identity documents include:
    • Original birth certificate
    • Amended birth certificate
    • Passport
    • Identification issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

  • Application Process:

    • If an applicant's identity document does not specify gender or states "X," they must declare their gender as "M" or "F" on a form provided by ODS.
    • Failure to provide this information will result in the denial of the driver's license or ID card.

  • Amendment of Gender Information:

    • Applicants can request to amend their gender information by submitting a form and an original or certified copy of an amended birth certificate.
    • A fee will be required for the issuance of a duplicate license or ID card reflecting the amended gender.

  • Notification of Denial:

    • If an amendment request is denied, ODS must notify the applicant in writing.

  • Implementation Timeline:

    • Adequate time is provided for ODS to implement the changes, including training for relevant staff.

Impact

  • Affected Individuals:

    • The bill primarily affects individuals applying for or renewing driver's licenses and identification cards in Arkansas, particularly those whose gender identity does not align with their original birth certificate.

  • No Fiscal Impact:

    • The fiscal impact statement indicates that there are no anticipated costs associated with the implementation of this bill.

Legislative Actions

  • April 16, 2025: Notification that HB 1796 is now Act 711.
  • April 10, 2025: Passed in the House and Senate.
  • April 8, 2025: Returned by the Committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • March 14, 2025: Filed and introduced.

This summary provides a clear overview of HB 1796, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the implications for individuals in Arkansas seeking state-issued identification.

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

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